Apology Not Accepted

Chapter 4: The New Additions

"A baby?"

Eliza nods at Philip's question. He puts his glass down and continues to stare at her like the rest of the children. Shocked. Alexander was grinning at Eliza as if they just spilled the lastest gossip about John Adams.

Philip blinks and leans closer to her. "As in a baby baby?" Eliza laughs. "Yes, Philip. A baby baby." Smiles grew all over the children's faces and cheers erupted from around the table. The only one not celebrating was James. "Who's the baby going to room with?" Cheers immediately stop. None of them wanted to share their room.

Alexander and Eliza look at each other and smile sadly. "Listen, I know we don't have a lot of room here. I'm working on getting us a bigger house. I'm sure that in due time we'll have enough money to move. But I believe that won't be until after the baby is born. He or she will have to room with one you. We've decided that if it's a boy, he'll room with John and Alexander. If it's a girl, she'll room with Eliza." The children nod with looks of understanding on their faces. They knew their father wasn't born with a fortune to spend.

The slightly dampened atmosphere is shattered when Philip claps his hands, beaming. "Can I have that present Ma mentioned earlier?" Everyone laughs at the boy's impatient nature. Angelica gets up and grabs something from underneath James' chair. A black box with a white ribbon tied around it. When it was handed to him, Philip saw small holes stabbed into it. He pulls off the ribbon and opens the box. A small mewl is heard around the room. Philip starts crying and picks up the kitten. He had honestly thought Eliza had changed her mind about the feline. "Ma.... you're​ really letting me keep her." Eliza continues eating as if she didn't hear him. "Happy Birthday, Philip." Angelica wraps an arm around his shoulders. "So, What are you going to name her?" She asked scratching underneath the cat's chin, receiving a loud purr as a reward.

Philip shrugged and squinted his eyes. The cat tilted her head and licked her chops. He hugged and looked at everyone at the table individually. His mother and father waited patiently for his answer. John and Eliza Jr went back to eating as if it didn't really concern them. William was reaching for James' plate and got slapped for his efforts. Angelica and Alexander Jr stared at the cat.

"Margarita."

Everyone turned back to him with confused faces. Eliza put her fork down and folded her hands on top of the table. "You're naming her after your aunt?" Philip nodded. Aunt Peggy was his favorite. She snuck him some wine when his parents hosted parties and he was considered too young to try any yet.

"I feel that Aunt Peggy doesn't get enough credit. I mean, I'm named after grandpa and Angie is named after Aunt Angelica. Alex and Eliza are named after you guys. James was named after Uncle James. I'm don't know which John that John was named after." Alexander coughed a little and looked at the table cloth, using his hand to block out Eliza's questioning gaze.

The children eyed the two with raised eyebrows. John crossed his arms as a pout rested on his face. "Who am I named after, Dad?" He questioned. Alexander scooted his chair back and stood up. "Well, I'm afraid I'm going to have to retire for the night. I have to work on some things. Goodnight, I love you all." The Caribbean male rambled as he exited the room. Eliza got up and followed him. "Make sure you all clean up and get ready for bed." She stopped and kissed Philip on the cheek. "Once again, Welcome home."

Philip smiled and pulled Margarita closer to his chest. Or, at least, he meant to. The space where the feline once occupied was now empty. Instead of being in his lap, Margarita was on the table eating everyone's forgotten scraps. The children awwed at her as she devoured the rest of Alexander Jr's chicken.

For a while, the Hamilton kids talked with each other, goofed around, and played with the cat. The first to go to bed were Eliza and James. Alexander and William were next with John close behind. Angelica finally finished cleaning the dishes and turned to her older brother. The boy was snuggled up with the cat and muttering, pointing at random things in the kitchen. "And there is the cabinet where we hold 'secret' jars of jam. My dad is in a cabinet. A Presidential Cabinet. Secretary of Treasury, Right hand man of George Washington. I'm going to make Dad proud of me-"

"I'm questioning your sanity, Pip. You're talking to a cat." Angelica interrupted and sat up on the table. Philip laughed and scratched Margarita's head. "Shut up. I should be the one questioning you. Hitting me in the head like that." Angelica opened her mouth to respond when the two heard a knock at the door. Philip placed the cat on the floor and stood up. "I got it. Just head up to bed." Angelica nodded and dashed up the stairs.

Philip walked through the living room towards the front door. Whoever was at the door knocked again, louder this time than before. "Hold on! I'm coming!"

Eacker stood on the other side of the door, hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. For some reason, his heart began beating faster when he heard Philip's voice. His palms were getting sweaty and he was shaking. He raised his fist again to knock when-

"Eacker."