Muda

Company (9.)

[A.Ham.]

I didn't remember the last time I had such a relaxing weekend. When I went to work on Monday, Muda by my side, I felt at ease rather than my usual stressed state.

"What's gotten you so happy,  Hamilton?" Washington asked I stopped by his office to drop off Muda.

"Just had a nice weekend, Sir. Nothing more." I replied, glancing to my girl beside me... my girl. I like the sound of that. "I was thinking of getting Muda a tutor, to teach her to read and write. Any recommendations?"

"A tutor for a slave?" Washington clarified, glancing to Muda for a moment, then back to me. "That might not go over well."

"It would only to enable her to take diction or communicate better since she does not speak." I defended. "Especially if she'll be helping here in the office, it would make sense for her, wouldn't you agree, your excellency?" Washington stared at me again, glancing between the woman and myself.

"Muda, go fetch Jefferson." Muda nodded, the nervous look returning to her eyes, but she went on her way. "Hamilton, what do you think of her?"

"What do you mean, Sir? She's a good slave, a decent helping hand around the house. She's good company. She cooks and cleans without being asked, she doesn't disrupt my work, she isn't imposing at all, she's simply good to keep around."

"Uh huh, and Martha and I are just friends." Washington chuckles slightly, standing from his desk. "Son, how long has it been since Eliza left?"

"A year and almost a month, Sir. What does that have to do with anything?" I shifted, crossing my arms. I almost don't like where this is going.

"And how long has it been since you've had someone else in that house with you?" He mimicked my stance, leaning against his desk.

"About the same, that doesn't answer my question."

"I think Muda's good for you. I just don't want you to get too close to her. She has her place. You have yours." He said, just as Jefferson came in, Muda just behind him. She took place beside the door, kneeling low with her hands on the floor. "Jefferson, did you give Hamilton any papers for Muda?"

"No, Sir, just the girl and her keys. I've been waiting on the new set of documents for her with Hamilton as her owner." Jefferson responded, not even acknowledging me. "Why, should I change it to say your name, Sir?"

"Ha ha, very funny. No, I just want to make sure she's actually a legal slave, not some stray you picked up." Washington glared at him. Jefferson held his hand to his heart in mock offense.

"Excuse me, Sir, who do you think I am? I only keep the highest quality slaves in Monticello, thank you very much."

"Well," Washington waved him off, "Bring those papers too me as soon as they're in. That is all." Jefferson smirked, nodding as he turned and left.

"Your excellency, you still haven't answered my question." I repeated, growing slightly frustrated with being ignored.

"You'll see, Hamilton. Get to work." He rounded his desk again, sitting back down.

"Sir, she's my responsibility. I demand to know what need you have for her papers." I pressed, stepping forward.

"Don't you trust me, Hamilton?" He asked simply, glancing over his glasses to me.

"Yes, of course, but-"

"Then don't worry about it. I'm not going to take her from you. Relax."

"But-"

"Muda? Take Hamilton to his office and get him settled in. He has work to do." Washington talks right past me to my girl. She looked almost as surprised as me, though complied. She stood from her place, stepping forward to lay a soft hand on my arm.

"Hold on, Muda. Mr. President, I-" This was the moment I realized what Washington meant when he asked what she means to me. When she tugged my arm again, willing me to look at her, something in me said to listen. There are few people I ever had the deep desire to listen to. I breathed a soft sigh, "Fine." And followed her out. I could practically feel Washington's pleased gaze on us as we left.

One week and she's already gained my trust. How crazy is that...

The day droned on as any other day, except for the bright moments when Muda would softly interrupt my writing to bring me papers from others in the office, or to encourage me  to take a break and eat some lunch (and also feed her).

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At the end of the day, we walked through town together. It's quiet uptown. We picked up groceries, plus a few extra indulgences, before heading home. Except, waiting on my front porch was a figure I definitely wasn't expecting.

"Alexander?" Their soft voice cooed. Oh dear lord.

"Maria." I said, walking past her to open my door. "What are you doing here?"

"I... well..." She fidgeted with her fingers, watching as I let Muda in then followed suit. "I'm leaving James."

"Good, he was an ass. But that doesn't answer the question, Maria." I replied, facing her after I took off my cloak and hat.

"Alex, you know why I'm here." The click of her heels as she stepped closer to me made me tense.

"No, because I'm not allowing such activities to resume." I hissed, stepping back. "So why are you here?"

"I need you, Alex... Once Mr. Burr finishes the trial, I'll have nothing. I know I can't repay you but please, I-"

"Same story, different day. I'm not playing your game again." I said firmly, but she continued towards me again. Her hands brushed my jacket, slipping under it to graze my chest.

"But Alex... you know what I can do for you. Please?" She purred. Those familiar red lips parted in the evening lights, tempting as the first time I saw them.

"You ruined my marriage. Tore my family apart, tarnished my name. You are not worth it." I moved to grab her wrists, but she took mine, moving my hands to her waist.

"But it would be allowed now. Your wife left you, I'll be divorced. They can't judge us like before." Her palm felt warm on my cheek, soft as a memory. I felt her guide me further to her level, her breath barely mixing with mine. My mind was screaming no, not again, and the clatter or a teacup snapped that thought into reality. I stepped back, removing my hands from her waist to face Muda, standing with a tray in her hands. Her expression was neutral, like one doing her duties.

"Right. Fine, you may stay the night. But no more of this dance. That is done. Understand?" I turned again to Maria, who had a sly smirk on her lips, and nodded. "Right. Have some tea. Muda, fix her something to eat. I will be right back." I said, a little too quickly before leaving for my study.

It's going to be a very, very long night.

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09/26/17