Muda

Naptime (11.)

[A.Ham.]

Okay.

Okay...

I distinctly remembered saying the next morning she'd be gone. I'd put her out of my house and my life. I was planning on standing by that. But every morning, she gave me such a helpless look, talking about how she had to go see Burr and the trial was coming soon... so a single might turned into a week, that didn't look like it was ending anytime soon. Maria slowly moved a few of her things over, as the finalization of the divorce got closer.

Last Thursday, I lifted the restriction on Muda to wait for me to get her in the mornings. Instead, she resumed her routine of bringing breakfast to me in bed. Except, the second bowl on the tray was not for her, but for my bedmate. And every morning, she kept her eyes low, only coming close to deliver something to me. The silence when we walked to work wasn't like before. It grew uncomfortable, even tense, like I could feel her judging me. At work, she would go promptly to Washington's office, assisting him unless I called for her specifically. We'd return home in the similar silence, where Maria was waiting for me and Muda went about her duties, cleaning until it was time for dinner, cooking for the three of us (but not eating with us), cleaning up and going to bed.

Today was no different. It was the following Monday, a work day for me and a few days before Maria's trial. I was awakened by the knock on my bedroom door.

"Come in, Muda." I groaned out, untangling myself from Maria's bare form. Muda entered, the tray steady in her hands. As always, she presented it to me. "Have you eaten already?" I asked, though I already knew the answer was yes. "Very good, you may go." She didn't hesitate, up and gone in a heartbeat. I stirred Maria at my side, setting her breakfast in her lap.

"What a cute little pet you have, Alex. Has she been keeping your bed warm too?" She asked, scooting up to lean against the headboard.

"No, I don't use her in that way. She's just a house slave, 'tis all." I replied with a cool tone, the words felt unnatural to say. Muda was special, even as a slave. "Hurry up, Burr will be here to collect you."

"Such a hurry to get me out of bed." She teased, leaning over to catch me in a kiss. "Want to help me dress?"

"Alright, but you know it takes me an eternity to lace up those damn corsets." I kissed her back, but the pool of guilt kept building low in my gut. I couldn't stand it. I knew I was in the wrong by letting this go on again.  Maria was a plague in my life, a leech. But every thought melted away with each kiss that she gave me, every touch felt hot on my skin. 

"Maybe I could borrow your little pet to help? So you can get dressed to?" She asked.

"Sure, call her when you're ready. I'm going to wash a bit." I nodded, replacing my empty bowl on the tray, and leaving the bed. "Take your time, she might still be eating and getting dressed." Maria hummed as I stepped out of the room. I passed Muda in the hall, smiling to her but not even receiving a passing glance in return. Oh lord...

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[G.Wash] (ooohhh, new point of view)

Muda came to my office again this morning. Not that it was an unusual occurrence, but she's been lingering by me a lot more than when she first started. 

"Good morning, Muda." I greeted, and she bowed at my door. "Come in. Relax a bit, I'm not too busy at this moment." I could almost see the tension melt from her shoulders as she straightened up, coming to me side to sit at rest. People came and went from my office, a few meetings into the day and  her head started to bob with the threats of sleep.