Peace of Mind

VI

Whatever I might have been about to say disappeared, and it took a second for Thomas's words to sink in.  "Your- what?" I asked, voice strangles slightly by shock. 

"My mother," he repeated, looking down at his hands, twisted in his lap.  "You lost Alexander, I lost-" his voice cracked, and his hands clenched into fists, but he powered through.  "I lost my mom."

I didn't know what to say, or even if I should say anything.  For a moment, there was silence, save for Thomas's unsteady breathing.  Then, finally, hesitantly, I reached over and touched his shoulder.  He jumped, then glanced up at me, raw pain etched across his face. "I'm sorry," I said softly, unsure of what else to say.  I knew it wasn't good, it wasn't enough, but it was the best I had to offer. 

Mr. Washington cleared his throat, and both of our heads jerked in his direction.  "It's about time for classes to start," he informed us, gesturing toward the clock high on the wall.  "If you'd like, we can do another joint session...?"

I glanced toward Thomas only to find him already staring at me.  He raised an eyebrow, and I nodded.  "Sure," I replied for the both of us. 

"Next week, then," Washington decided, standing up.  "Now hurry up, you don't want to be late."  The five-minute bell was already ringing.

Without looking at Thomas, I grabbed my bag and threw it over my shoulder.  "See ya, Mr. Washington," I announced, then walked out without another word to Thomas.

* * *

Peggy caught up with me outside of English.  She had her hair in pigtails today, and for once she was wearing her glasses, not her contacts. 

"Hey loser," she greeted me, grinning.  I offered her a quick, genuine smile in return. 

"How's it going, dork?" I replied, and she laughed. 

"Oh, you know, the usual," Peggy replied, twirling the end of one of her pigtails between her fingers.  "Hating math, loving writing, liking my girlfriend, being annoyed by Jefferson." 

"Uh-huh- wait, what?" I froze in my tracks, and Peggy let out an excited squeal and a giggle.  "Your girlfriend?"

She nodded enthusiastically.  "Remember Theodosia Prevost, the one Aaron liked until-"

"-until she came out as gay," I finished, still staring at Peggy in shock.  "You're dating her?"

Peggy nodded quickly, a huge grin splitting her face.  But when she looked back at me, the brightness seemed to dim for a moment.  "Isn't that okay?"

"Okay?" A grin slowly spread across my face.  "Peggy, that's- that's great!"  I wrapped her in a quick bear hug, nearly lifting her off the ground.  "I'm so happy for you!"

Peggy laughed again, then leaned back, studying my face.  "You're in a good mood today," she noted gently, and I smiled. 

"Just a good meeting with Washington this morning," I replied, smiling softly.  I certainly hadn't wanted it to be a good session, but, in a strange way, it made it all feel a little bit better to know that someone else was struggling.  Not that I'd ever tell Thomas that. 

Peggy gave me a confused smile, then shook her head.  "Okay, goofball," she replied.  "Let's go get lunch." And with that, she dragged me to the cafeteria, chattering the whole way.

[a/n: short-ass chapter, i know! and i'm sorry! but i have Plans for this now (exciting, i know) and in case y'all can't tell, i'm almost-sorta-kinda back in business. maybe. i mean, this is the second story i've updated in as many days, so... maybe. but next chapter is going to include Homophobia in about eighteen different ways (ppl making fun of peggy and theo and eliza and maria? check. john coming out to his parents? check. thomas telling us the story of him coming out? check. we're in for a ride, kids.]