Muda

Evening (5.)

[A.Ham.]

I was lucky in catching the Postman before he left for the docks, the letter should reach Lafayette in a week. Perfect. In the meantime, I'll probably continue as I have today.

When I returned home, all was near silent. So quiet, I could hear the hearth crackle in the next room. She can't have left, can she? I made my way to the kitchen, maybe she's eating already. Nope. She was knelt beside my chair at the table, my place set and the food set out, still steaming. Great timing on her part. She was unnaturally still though, it was almost concerning. I couldn't help but admire her though, her dress pooled around her, her palms resting in her lap, her hair draped over her shoulder. In the charter, she would have gone for a high price.

"Where's your plate?" I asked, stepping closer. "Did you forget what I said this morning?" She stiffened at the question, so yes. She forgot. "Go get a plate, no worries. I know it's a bit of a change for you." I took my time removing my coat and vest, yawning a bit as I started to relax. I still needed to get a bit of writing down for tomorrow's debate, but it could wait. Muda reappeared beside me, she's so quiet, I wouldn't have known she was there if her plate hadn't caught the candlelight. I gestured to the chair next to mine, and with reluctance, she sat. "Help yourself."

We ate in silence. It was comfortable, though I never liked the quiet before, it was oddly soothing. She seemed to be enjoying eating with me, at the table rather than on the floor.  She's clearly comfortable serving, though that's probably all she knows. If this is the life she was brought up in, it might stress her if I tried to take that from her. Maybe I could get her a bit more comfortable, though. Try to show her not to fear me. I always hated the way people treated slaves, like they were less than the dirt they walked on. Jefferson probably put this girl through hell, maybe trying to save her for a rainy day. Disgusting. I really should train out the habits  Jefferson instilled in her. 

"Just wanted to know if she's made herself useful yet. She's silent, but very skilled with her mouth nonetheless." Jefferson said lightheartedly. "Awe, she knows better than that. She should have woken you up with a lovely surprise." 

Jesus, Jefferson, you sick bastard... Ever thought that might be the reason she's mute? She looked no older than a senior apprentice, maybe twenty. Who knows how long she's been in the care of that burnt cotton-ball. I must have looked rather angry as a hand on my thigh brought me out of my thoughts. I jumped slightly, glancing down to the woman who returned to kneeling beside my chair. I sighed, lowering a hand to stroke over her head. 

"I'm alright, Muda. I promise. Just thinking about today." I said in response to her curious gaze. She nodded, leaning closer to rest her chin on my thigh. "Heh... You're adorable. Too precious to have been subjected to this life." I chuckled dryly, my fingers combing through her hair slowly. "Know that with me, you won't have to be afraid. I won't let anyone hurt you anymore, or use you in any way. But, I will keep you with me as much as I can, since you cannot speak up for yourself and I can speak enough for the both of us." Her smile broadened, and right then I knew this might not be as troublesome as I thought it could be. 

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 After dinner, I let her finish her cleaning in the kitchen while I returned to my study. The work never stops and I needed the time to prepare for more of Jefferson's nonsense. As I shuffled through my papers, flipping through drafts of the statement and letters to translate, Muda returned from her chores, taking place beside me. The look on her face was full of exhaustion. 

"When did you wake this morning? Do you remember?" I asked, sitting back in my chair to look at her. She held up four fingers... four am? "Go to bed, then. You've been awake for nearly 16 hours. " She shook her head, straightening up as she sits. "You're really going to be stubborn?" After a few beats, she nodded. Of course. "Okay then, you'll help me with these drafts." 

Washington always joked Iabout how my detailed works are so lengthy, they could put a person to sleep. So, I started to read aloud my latest draft, detailing America's position in the war, only pausing to make notes on any changes I felt it needed. After three pages, she shifted to sit cross legged, getting comfortable. After five, she leaned her head over to rest her head on my thigh. I lowered my left hand to her head, stroking her slowly as I read on until almost ten pages later, her head felt weighted with the slow rhythm of sleep. Maybe Washington had a point, it's only been a day and the two of us already found a rhythm. She fit into my life so seamlessly already. So quickly, like she'd been by my side all this time.

It took a bit of finagling to pick her up and she stirred as I walked her down to Philip's room. This actually feels like I got a pet more than a person. She sighed softly, relaxing into my chest all the way until I set her onto her bed. Once she was settled, she started undoing her ribbon on her dress, the fabric releasing her waist. I honestly blushed slightly at the fact she started undressing when I was still standing there. I turned around, scratching my neck slightly. "Um, I realize you have no sleepwear. You can use one of Philip's shirts." I said.  I didn't look for a response, mainly because I could hear the shuffle of her dress hitting the floor. After a few more moments, she tapped my shoulder for me to turn around. She had one of Philip's button up shirts on, and it went nearly to her knees, the first two buttons undone. Wow... Wow. Wow. Wow. I might have stared a little longer than polite I only stuttered to life after her palm rested on my cheek. I cleared my throat and stepped back. Smooth, Alex. super smooth. "I'll leave you to rest. Goodnight, Muda." I said, a little rushed. She smiled brightly, bowing her head in return. 

Wow, she's beautiful. That's um... yea. It is what it is.

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09/21/17