[A.Ham]
I read all night. Almost six hours. I held my girl's hand. Every time I felt her grip loosen, I knew to stop and nudge her awake. It was so hard to see her look so tired, but I knew it would be worth it. Anything for her to be okay.
As the sun rose, I even started to feel fatigued. I sighed, putting down the book I was reading aloud just to look at her. Her gaze was unfocused, glancing up towards me when she realized I stopped. "It's morning. How about by noon, I'll let you have a bit of rest. A little nap, but not for too long, I still want you to be able to sleep tonight." I told her, but she didn't respond. "Oh... I'll see if Eliza or I can run into town to get you some medicine for the pain." She nodded slowly, closing her eyes for a moment. I could tell by the tightening grip of her hand, her head must be feeling worse.
"You two okay?" I turned around, Eliza peeked into the room. "I brought some broth and bread for her, if she can eat? Though the doctor said she shouldn't sit up for another day, lest she open the stitches. I mean, not a lot of stitches, not many of the cuts were deep enough, but still. Better be careful and patient rather than reckless."
"Thank you, Betsy. I appreciate it." I smiled, waving for her to come in. "Do you think you could watch her for a bit?" I guessed at the thought of me leaving, Muda gripped my hand tightly. I smiled down to her, rubbing the back of her hand with my thumb. "No worries, my dear girl. I just need to get cleaned up, I'll only be a room away. I'll be back before you can miss me." As I slipped my hand from hers, the sadness in her eyes grew. "Don't despair, I'll be back soon and Eliza is going to help you eat." I stood and stepped out, letting Eliza have my place.
Lafayette was right, I didn't have the time or energy to deal with Jefferson right now. Muda really was my main concern. Her health mattered more than Jefferson's behavior. Still, I will make him pay for it. If I were still so young and reckless, I would have challenged him to a duel in a heartbeat. But, I could not risk losing and leaving Muda to fend for herself. I mean, Washington would have taken her in, or Lafayette would have brought her away to France with him, but it's not the same. I needed her as she needed me. I shook my head, throwing the thought away. Ugh. No being reckless. He may be a good politician, but I'm a better lawyer.
After changing clothes, briefly washing up, I went back to Muda's room. I may have been gone about an three quarters of an hour, and the plate and bowl Eliza brought in were mostly empty. Good, she ate, but the room was filled with Eliza's soft coo to calm her.
"What's wrong?" I asked, stepping closer.
"I think the pain is getting to her. She was trying to hold her head after I fed her, but I didn't want her to irritate the sore spot or pull at her stitches. Can you go and get her some medicine?" Eliza explained, stroking Muda's damp cheek. She had been crying again.
"Hm. Alright. The pharmacy should be open by now. I won't be long." As I spoke, Betsy jumped a little.
"I don't think Muda wants you to go? It's hard to tell what she's thinking..."
"Here, let me." Eliza got up, letting me replace her next to Muda. I held open my hand by hers, but she didn't try to write. "Come on, tell me what you're thinking, love. Please? I can't help if I don't know." Her fingers continued to try to lace with mine, a shaking grip that held firm. "I guess she doesn't want to talk. Do you want me to stay and send someone else?" She nodded frantically, letting out a soft sob shortly after. I sighed.
"I'll send for Lafayette." Eliza said, giving a sad smile herself.
"Thank you, Betsy." I stroked Muda's head, trailing my fingers through the short strands. "My dear girl... don't let yourself get trapped in your head. Understand? You don't have to be verbal, but don't shut me out." I let my hand drift down her back, barely brushed the bandage, resting on the bare small of her spine. I felt her breathe deeply, her eyes fluttering slightly at the touch. I breathed with her, smiling, I lent down and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. "I love you, my precious. We'll work through this together."
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The day went by slowly.
Lafayette stopped by with a bottle of medicine and a basket of food from the market. He let us know that he was to return to France soon, but he was only a letter away.
The Washington's came in the evening. Lady Washington stayed with Eliza and Muda while I spoke to the President about what to do about Jefferson. Honestly, we were probably going to have to get Burr for a bit of assistance. As much as I'd love to be my own lawyer, I was very emotionally involved and I'd probably end up cursing Jefferson the entire time. Either way, Jefferson will pay for this.
It's only a matter of time.
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10/13/17
YOU ARE READING
Muda
Fanfiction"Jefferson, what's this?" I frowned, glancing over the chained woman standing beside him. "A peace offering, maybe a little incentive to stir on the compromises in the debate we had the other day." Thomas replied, as if it were obvious. "This is a...
