• Still Waiting For It • Reader X Aaron Burr

Chapter 18: Fort Liberty

"Rules.."

George Washington paced on the wood stage, the tapping from his cane echoing around the room.

"No leaving the fort at any time without permission. We will assume that you have been kidnapped. Remember, the people up here with me are your high ranks. Listen to them and they will guide you to victory."

I didn't recognize most of them. I saw Hamilton, Charles Lee, Lafayette, and Aaron up there. Aaron shot me a quick wink before giving his attention back to Washington.

"Next... I know most of you won't follow this rule... No 'fooling around' with the nurses and maids, please...

The ladies giggled while the men shouted their protests.

Mulligan and Laurens shouted, "Dammit!"

"I know you don't like that rule but I don't want any pregnant nurses on the battlefield. Save it for when you get home-

I need you all to know that punishments for breaking these rules will be harsh. We can not afford someone thinking they're above it all. Remember, one man could be the difference between victory and defeat."

Hamilton cleared his throat. "We have set up an obstacle course. If anyone finishes under 10 seconds today, drinks are on us. Everyone can participate."

The entire army ran out to the yard except for the higher ups who were staying to strategize.

Everyone took turns on the obstacle course but all came up short. Laurens was running through but at the last second, he hit his head on a low hanging obstacle. Thank goodness all the nurses were out there. Almost all of the soldiers and nurses who dared to go first followed suit, rushing and then failing miserably.

It was my turn. The course was short. I can see a small gap. I can do this.

"Time starts.... Now!"

A soldier began counting down I dashed towards the gap, dodging the occasional ledge and low hanging shelf.

"Time!" I yelled.

"9 seconds!"

Everyone cheered and I was rushed to the high rankings.

    Mulligan wrapped an arm around my shoulders when we reached them. "General! Nurse (Y/N) got 9 seconds! We can have beer now!"

    Washington seemed annoyed at Mulligan's informalities and him interrupting the meeting but he seemed genuinely impressed with my performance.

    "Well done, Miss Schuyler. I expect big things from you. As for you, Mr. Mulligan, I'll have someone serve drinks right away."

    "Thanks, dad!" Mulligan said and walked off as Washington groaned. I followed shortly after but not before catching pleased looks from the higher ups. Especially one in particular...

As I walked back, people crowded around Rose cheering.

I saw Laurens in the crowd. "Laurens, what happened?"

Rose grinned. "I beat it in 6 seconds!"

"Wait, what?! Six seconds?"

She shrugged. "I guess I'm magical."

Mulligan ran to Rose and kneeled at her feet, "Teach me your secrets!"

Rose patted his head, "Secrets come at a price. Bring me two beers."

Mulligan nodded quickly. "Of course. Right away!"

    Mulligan scampered off as Rose turned to face me. "You gonna join us for a drink?"

I shook my head. "I'll join you but I'm just having a water."

Rose smiled. "That's fine, as long as you're hanging out with us, (Y/N)!"

Mulligan brought Rose back two pints. "Here's the alcohol, Rosie. Tell me your secrets!"

Rose shrugged, "Eh, it was just luck."

Mulligan shrugged, "You must be very lucky then."

•

About an hour later, our small celebration had begun. Washington hadn't assigned a dress code so some men were wearing their uniforms while others wore dress wear. The nurses, however, dressed in fancy gowns. I had worn a white lace gown that Angelica had gotten me for my birthday last year. I had always treasured it. If anything ever happened to it, I'd never forgive myself.

    30 minutes into the party, all of the higher rankings had joined us. Hamilton, Lafayette, and Aaron sat with our crew of misfits. Rose sat on Laf's lap and Burr wrapped an arm around me. We sat and talked about the fort, being back home, all sorts of stuff. Everyone except for Hamilton. Laf was the first to notice his silence.

    "Why the long face, mon ami?"

    Hamilton put a fist to his lips. "I haven't gotten a letter from Eliza in three days. She usually writes almost every day.."

    I gave my best encouraging smile, "Hey, I bet it's just a delay in mail delivery. None of the soldiers have gotten letters from their family recently."

    Hamilton gave a weak smile but all the smiles in the world couldn't cover up that he was terrified.

    After talking a bit longer, Rose looked sick.

    Lafayette spoke, "Rose, you can go outside for a moment if you need."

   Rose smiled her thanks and then ran out of the room.

    I felt dizzy a while after she left. The room with the multicolored dresses and men in suits swirled around me.

    "(Y/N), are you alright?" Burr asked, his voice cutting through the twisty blur.

    "I... I need to go outside.."

    I got up and walked out of the room, careful not to trip during my daze. What is going on with me?

    Rose was vomiting a while away from the exit of the main building. I didn't feel like vomiting. I felt more like passing out. I was so tired... The cool snow tickled my cheeks before everything went red and then black..

                             Burr's POV

    I drummed my fingers on the table. They'd been out there for 5 minutes. I hope they were okay. I assumed it had been in their drunken state.

    I glanced toward (Y/N)'s drink.

    Water. She couldn't have been drunk.

    I took a tiny sip of the water but I knew what had happened. "Goddammit!"

    Lafayette's eyes widened. "Burr, what's going  on?"

    "I'll tell you what's going on, someone spiked (Y/N)'s drink."

                                         •

Hi! I know it's almost summer break (or already is for some lucky people) and I just wanted to say happy summer break because I know I won't get another chapter out by then! Bye!

~ Em