The Press (Whamilton)

Ch. 12

Two weeks later, and it was time for another meeting. Everybody was there, including Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler. The two hadn't talked since the day of the press, and neither of them seemed to care much.

Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton were glaring at each other like a murder was about to go down, and John Adams was wondering why he decided to leave Thomas Jefferson's bed.

Maria Reynolds was taking notes, and holding Eliza Schuyler's hand under the table.

Charles Lee was messing with his tie. Henry Knox was fixing Charles Lee's tie.

George Washington stepped into the room, and immediately was greeted with good mornings and hellos. Alexander stayed silent, turning his attention to his papers. He sipped his coffee as Washington sat down between him and Jefferson, his usual spot during cabinet meetings.

"Good morning, everybody. I know it's very early and we all want to go home as soon as possible before it starts storming, but we need to discuss business. I believe there has been some... news. From England. So that's peachy, right?" He joked. There was some nervous and forced laughter. Alexander was still silent. Washington glanced at him, and then looked away with a frown. "Let's just get it over with to beat the rain, okay?"

Washington sat down and took a sip of his coffee before muttering, "Progress report." Henry was distracted, still trying to teach Lee how to tie a tie. He cleared his throat and tapped his fingers on the table, trying to get Henry's attention.

Henry looked up and apologized quietly.

"Trump called you a lying faggo-"

Washington interrupted, "Skip anything having to do with that man, he's none of my concern." Henry stared for a moment before taking a deep breath.

Henry explained, "The press is still talking about the rumor that you are having sexual relations with Alexander Hamilton as well as a new rumor springing up that your vice president happens to be in ties with Trump. Funny enough rather than going off on Adams, they're blaming you for choosing him as vice."

Washington snapped, "I have no relationship with Mr.Hamilton, he's just another member of the cabinet. If Adams is betraying me then he'll be impeached once proper evidence comes up. Simple." Alexander sunk in his seat a little and scribbled notes down.

Henry continued, "The press, just minor companies, said that you were unfit for presidency. Any response?"

Washington straightened his posture and muttered, "I was elected, I believe I know what I'm doing." He spoke louder, "No comment." Henry nodded and wrote that down.

Alex glanced at Maria and Eliza and looked away. There was something going on between them, and he was a little worried to see what. Alexander was wondering a little if... maybe Eliza liked Maria. Of course if Eliza grew to like Maria more than him he would let her break up with him. Alex wasn't the type of person to force people to stay.

He glanced to the right to where Jefferson was and scowled. The man was glaring at him, smirking like he was winning at some imaginary game.

"HAMILTON." Washington shouted. Alex quickly sat up and looked at the president. "Jesus Christ where were you? I've been trying to get your attention for five minutes!" Alexander fixed his tie and apologized quietly. Washington sighed and ordered, "Debate."

Alex frowned and looked away, "I'll pass." Everybody turned in shock and stared at the treasurer, who was now scribbling notes down in his notebook. Jefferson smiled.

"So does that mean my side wins?" Jefferson asked. Washington rolled his eyes and nodded a little. He cheered happily as Washington adjourned the meeting and everybody packed up to go home. Eliza went up to Alex and placed a hand on his shoulder.

She asked, "Alexander are you alright?" Alex harshly pulled away and grabbed his suitcase.

"Don't touch me Eliza," Alex snapped, "Wouldn't want the press to think we're fucking in the back of my car, right? That's what they're saying about me and the president, wouldn't want anybody to think that about you, Miss Reynolds." Eliza was offended and gasped in shock of his words. She marched off, turning her nose up at the man. Alexander marched out the door and went outside to his car.

John followed, huffing in annoyance. He snapped, "What the hell? That wasn't very nice, Alex, and if she is trying to discover her sexuality right now it's hella rude to make a comment about her being around another girl."

Alex snapped, "I know."

John frowned. He phased into the front seat of the car and sat down. He was still glaring at Alex, and was now starting to tap his foot impatiently. "Alright well why did you get mad at her? Also you just let Jefferson win like that? What was that about? You're supposed to be his arch enemy!"

"I know." Alex huffed. He started the car but didn't start driving. John groaned.

"You're being weird, Alex! What's wrong?! You know you can tell me anything!"

"I KNOW!" Alex shouted, glaring at him. "BUT I NEED A FEW MINUTES OF SILENCE TO MYSELF, JOHN!" John stopped and looked away. He stayed quiet. Alex leaned his head against the top of the steering wheel, closing his eyes and taking deep breaths. After a moment or two he pulled out his phone.

I'm sorry that I snapped and called you that, I guess I've just had a lot on my mind today. But I know that doesn't excuse my cruelty towards you, Elizabeth. I'm very sorry. Please forgive me soon.

Alex set his phone on his leg and closed his eyes again. He was being all snappy and moody and for what? Because the president is doing a reasonable thing in order to stay president? Because Eliza is finally taking time to find out who she really is? Because John is trying to give him actual good advice? He was being stubborn. Alex was acting like a child for no reason. He had to stop.

"I'm sorry I yelled." He mumbled, "I just texted an apology to Eliza, and I'll debate with Jefferson tomorrow, okay?" John looked at him and then looked away.

John nodded and advised, "Fine, but I think you should talk to Eliza in person about snapping. Also, ask her about Maria. Talk to her. Let her talk and listen to her talk. Sometimes girls don't wanna hear your shakespeare crap, cutie." Alex smiled at the playful teasing and sighed.

"Yeah," he joked, "But you did. You always wanted to hear me talk." John rolled his eyes.

He teased, "That's because I love you dipshit. Now drive us home." Alexander smiled and tried to drive the car.

But it died.

Alex huffed and turned the key. Didn't he already turn it on? He tried to start the car but it sputtered with resistance. "Oh no," John said, worried about getting back to the house. Alexander huffed and got out. He went to the front of the car and checked the engine. "Maybe it's dead?" called John. Alex huffed and slammed the hood shut. He got back in the front seat and searched around in the glove box. A light red box of cigarettes sat on top of the napkins and next to a package of ramen. John gasped.

"Alexander, no!" He shouted, "You've been clean for years now, you are not smoking! Especially around me!" Alex glared at him and got the ramen out. John smiled nervously. "My bad, heh."

He unwrapped it and took a bite of the raw ramen, staring at John without blinking. His face was devoid of emotion, and he refused to look away from John's discomfort. Alex took another bite. John shivered and quickly disappeared. Once the ghost was gone, Alexander shoved the ramen back in the glove box and got the cigarettes out. He lit one and didn't put it to his lips.

After a few seconds of letting the smoke go, he tossed the cigarette out the window and got out. He put the cigarette out with his heel and walked to the white house. Eliza had probably already gone home, he hated everybody else, so that only left George Washington. "God," Alex sighed, "Do I really wanna do this? Go up there and ask for a ride? Like a bum?"