The Press (Whamilton)

Ch. 33

Washington DC was beautiful in May. The trees were blooming with flowers and the sun was shining everywhere, lighting up the town with happiness. George Washington's summer home was hidden away in a more rural area of Washington DC. There were trees surrounding the entire home and a large driveway for several cars to park. It was two stories plus an attic, den, and basement. Alexander Hamilton silently wondered to himself if George ever threw parties in this home before he became president. He imagined them both living together after the retired, throwing cocktail parties and just living as normal people for once.

Thomas Jefferson, Eliza Schuyler, Gilbert Lafayette, Hercules Mulligan, John Adams, Maria Reynolds, and Alexander Hamilton were sat at the dining table. There's candles lit and the house looks like it was just cleaned that morning. George got the fancy china out for his guests and was in the kitchen finishing up the meal. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, asparagus, marinated carrots, and of course his best wine. Currently, his guests were eating the beginning appetizer: A small bowl of cheesy chili mac n cheese.

"I hope everything tastes alright," George said as he set the main dishes out for everybody. "I haven't cooked for a big group of people in so long."

Eliza complimented, "Mr. Washington, this is absolutely delicious! How long have you known how to cook like this?"

"Oh for years now," He chuckled, quite flattered, "I used to cook for Martha, Liberty, and Freedom before we split. Sometimes they still come over to eat but not so much Martha. She has work." Alex was a little shocked. George wasn't usually this open to people about his divorce with Martha, it was touchy subject for him. Not to mention bringing up his kids, who are forced to stay with Martha.

Hercules asked, "Sir, uh, is there any reason you invited us all to dinner?"

"Please," George sighed as he sat down, "Don't call me sir, Hercules. You may call me George. I... I just wanted to have everybody in one place where I know we're alone. It's been a very insane couple of months and I'm sure that everybody is stressed. I thought a nice dinner, some wine, and some talking would be a nice change of pace."

Alex smiled and said, "I think it's a great idea. Also, this mac and cheese is absolutely delicious." Jefferson also wanted to compliment the mac and cheese, but he was on his fourth helping of it and couldn't stop shoveling it in his mouth. Maria slowly slid hers over to Thomas with a smirk. He, without looking, took it and ate all of it.

Eliza asked, "George, this is a beautiful home, how long have you had it?"

"Oh, gosh, um..." Washington looked at the ceiling and estimated, "About five or six years maybe? It's just a summer home, I barely use it besides vacation."

"So never, Mr. President?" Thomas joked, finally done with his macaroni and cheese.

Adams asked, "Speaking of which, do you plan on coming back to work any time soon?" He didn't mean to sound as harsh as he did. But, to be fair, the president hadn't showed up in several months. Washington looked at his food and nodded a little. He fixed his glasses.

"Yes, I... I will be returning to office tomorrow morning-"

"Perfect. There's several reports from-"

"-to fill out my resignation papers."

Hercules, Adams, and Maria looked at him in shock. Washington waited for outrage, for sadness, for pain, but he was given no response. That was the worst response he could have gotten. George explained, "I don't feel that I am fit for office. The way things have been going so far, I am an emotional wreck on every decision I make and have no general sense of direction with my presidency. I have already decided who will fill my place."

Maria looked oddly hopeful as she asked, "Who, Washington?"

"Jefferson." He replied softly, like a hasty, regretful insult to a friend. Maria sunk in her seat a little before serving herself some more wine.

Thomas said, "Your excellency, I plan on doing everything I can to honor your time as president and continuing the dream that you planned for our country."

"You don't have to lie," Hamilton said, putting salt on his mashed potatoes, "We know you're gonna suck at it."

"Alex!" Eliza huffed, "Don't be rude!"

"As if you would be any better?!" Jefferson scoffed, "A disgusting abomination like you?! You've been in a coma for several months, you don't even understand anything going on in the public right now!"

Hamilton hissed, "Oh, please, like I missed much? A member of the royal family had a baby? A celebrity died? I think that pretty much covers it!"

Adams shushed them both with a simple, "And the president is gay for his treasurer and his treasurer cheated on the president with the secretary of state." Everybody went silent. George stared down at his plate as he slowly took off his glasses and cleaned them with his shirt. He was dressed in a suit and tie.

Eliza, after a moment of respectful quite, asked, "George, do you put green onions in your mashed potatoes?" He nodded and drank his wine. She said, "It's delicious. George, thank you for inviting us to your home. This was very kind of you to just make us a nice meal for the sake of our comfort and enjoyment. You truly are, despite what you say, a wonderful leader to have in office."

"Well..." Washington sighed, "Thank you, Eliza."

They ate in silence after that, not meeting each other's eyes. There was so much that had to be talked about and yet nobody could bring themselves to say it. It was Lafayette the broke the silence. It was the first word he said all night.

"I have to go back to France tomorrow." Lafayette said sadly, "But I've absolutely loved spending my time here with you all. You are all very important friends to me." He looked at all of them, even Adams.

Washington said, "Do you need a ride to the airport?" Lafayette shook his head again and once again silence settled like snow in a blizzard.

Alex wished he could say something to start a conversation, but he realized Jefferson was right. His favorite topics were politics and drama in the media. Being in a coma for several months left him out of any conversation along those lines, and he was too afraid to ask what he missed in fear of sparking argument again.

What would I say if it was just me and Washington? What's something that's just a friendly topic that's fun? He thought to himself, Memories, vacations, work scandals, dumb jokes, love of animals, war...

War.

Alexander cleared his throat and said, "George, before the crash... You asked me why I wear a ribbon in my hair?" George looked at him, a little surprised, but nodded with a sad smile. The crash was a rough topic now.

Eliza said, "Alex, you always told me it was just something you wore for fun."

"I thought it was just because you're super girly." Maria joked.

With a sad yet hopeful smile, Alex poured himself another cup of wine. "Well, it's a very long story. Some romance, some war, some sad stuff, but overall one of the best memories I can remember. So, get comfy, we might be here awhile."