Muda

Reunited (16.)

[G.Wash]

-meanwhile-

"George, hunny? We're back." I heard from the living room. I was sitting by the fireplace and reading.

"In here, love." I called back, and my wife came, followed by Muda. I even had to take a double-take at the young slave. Wow. "Is this... appropriate? Or even practical?" Muda blushed, her cheeks nearly matching the color of the dress she wore.

"Well, if what you told me about her was correct, then yes, it was necessary. We did indeed run into Mr Hamilton at the shop, and he seemed distracted by what he was missing." Martha said, looking a bit more than proud of herself. "I had hoped we'd run into him."

"Martha, the point of this was to get him to make better choices, not seduce the man." I replied, furrowing my brow.

"A little late for that, look at it as giving him motivation. She knows the Marquis, actually. Used to serve him before the war got terrible. I've never known Jefferson to share his things." I chuckled at the comment, but glancing to Muda, she remained still, the smile fading from her lips.

"I'm guessing it's more common than we realize." Martha caught onto my tone, looking to the solemn woman beside her. Muda felt the eyes on her and lowered her head further.

"Times long passed, not to worry dear. You are in better hands now. After seeing you today, I don't think Hamilton will let anything near you ever again. Except my Husband, who's basically Hamilton's owner." That earned a soft giggle from Muda, the second sound I've ever heard her make. Martha glowed, wrapping an arm around the smaller woman. "No worries, dear one. You know to find us should Hamilton give you trouble."

"Yes, you are welcome here anytime." I reassured, pulling both of the women into a warm hug. "Did you at least do as I asked? Get her started on writing?" I asked as I released them.

"Yes, in fact she's already quite proficient." Muda nodded in agreement, smiling as well.

"Very good. Come show me what you've learned. Martha, go ahead and start dinner, Muda will help you in a little while." I said and stood from my chair. The soft patter of shoes followed me up to my study. I only paused when the young woman tapped my shoulder, turning to her. She stepped back from me, holding a hand out to me. "What?" She nodded to her hand, wiggling her fingers. I tentatively lifted my hand, and she nodded again. Ahh... I placed my hand in hers, letting her turn it over to my palm. She started to draw her finger across my palm. It seemed random, and I looked confused at her as she repeated it slower. And again, as I still didn't respond, but I recognized what she was drawing. H. Was she... writing? Hello.

"Hello." I repeated back to her, and her smile grew. I smiled as well. That barrier's broken.

"Thank you." She write next, a little faster.

"You are most welcome, young one." I stroked her head with my free hand. "Can you already read?" She nodded sheepishly. "Ahh, that's probably part of why you picked up writing so quickly. Keep it up, and I might have you replace Hamilton for taking diction. Speaking of, do you want to come to the office tomorrow, or stay here with Martha again?"

"Office please. Missing Master H." She wrote into my hand, looking hopeful.

"I know, but I want to make sure he will treat you better before I return you to him. You are certainly one of a kind and deserve better." I leaned in and gave her forehead a light kiss. "Understand?" She nodded, letting a soft hum as I hugged her again.

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The next morning, Martha helped Muda back into the dress she bought her, and together they fixed breakfast. It was nice having her here, Martha really appreciated the company. The giggles pouring from the living room was proof that she was well accepted. They had become nearly inseparable. Martha showed her how to be a proper lady, though I thought it was mainly because she really wanted the young woman to come to the Winter ball hosted by Jefferson at his home here in New York. After a few promises to come back and visit and a borrowed shawl to cover her shoulders, we set off to the office for the day. 

"Mr President! Good morning." Jefferson. First thing in the morning, he was way too cheery. He was leaning on Hamilton's door frame, a smirk on his lips. "I was just imploring dear Hamilton here to come to my party and bring his slave. I think should would make such memorable entertainment... and certainly wear that..." He looked right past me with a hunger that made even my skin crawl. Muda stepped closer to me, moving behind me.

"Eyes up, Jefferson. She's not yours, remember? Do I really need to keep reminding you of this? I swear, you're disgusting." Hamilton's voice echoed from the room. "The only reason you even want me there is so you can play with what's mine."

"You're right, you don't even have to come. Just send her." Jefferson chuckled. 

"If you liked her so much, you shouldn't have given her away. Too late, now go away. I have things to do." Hamilton stepped forward, "All you ever do is harass me, don't you have work to do?"

"I think you should shut up and do it, before I give Madison your job." I interrupted. Jefferson huffed, like all the fun was taken out of the room.

"Things are more tempting when they're just out of reach. Keep that in mind." He said, staring right at Muda, before walking away to his own office.

"Geez, that guy pisses me off." Hamilton muttered, but softened as Muda stepped from behind me. "Muda..." He smiled, and I grinned to myself.

"I'll be back for her after work." I said, stepping away as well. 

"Yes, Sir." The disappointment was clear, but the sigh of comfort covered it quickly as the pair reunited for the day. Was I really going to collect Muda later? Of course not, it's clear he needs her back and a day was a day too long. But, Martha was right, he needed the motivation, and he's seemed to have woken up. 

They say we are asleep until we fall in love.

And Hamilton has definitely woken up, whether he realizes it or not. 

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10/05/17