Bad Things Happen

RIP.

A/N: not what it looks like. Warning: Bullying, lots of angst.

Washington let Laurens stay home from school one more day. He, Lafayette, and Alexander had already left when he got up. The whole family had a reckless night, but while everyone else had to keep to schedule, they let Laurens sleep in. He had earned it. John walked down the stairs to be greeted by Martha.

"Morning sweetheart." She called from the kitchen. "Are you hungry?"

"Yeah, what time is it?" He walked into the room with her.

"Almost noon."

"Noon? I didn't know I slept that late." He went over and sat down at the table.

"Well you deserved it. You've been through a lot." Martha smiled to try and cheer him up.

"Yeah. I guess." Laurens frowned.

"Here." She slid him a plate. "What do you want to drink?"

"Just water please." He practically whispered.

"Ok." Martha grabbed the water pitcher and a cup. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired. I wish I'd slept better last night." John yawned.

"Let me know if you need anything, ok?"

"Ok." He nodded. He ate then went back up to his room. Peggy called.

"Laurens?"

"Yeah?"

"I missed you at lunch today. Are you ok?" She asked.

"Yeah, I actually just woke up though if I sound tired." John yawned again.

"Are you coming back tomorrow?"

"I think so. Unless I'm dead by then."

"Don't say that, I'm serious." She disciplined him. He just started laughing. "Is your well being a joke to you?"

"Well by now, kinda." Laurens sighed. "I'm fine, I'll be there tomorrow."

"Just know, I wouldn't be able to live without you." Peggy replied. "Please tell me you'll be careful."

"I promise. I'm ok now." Laurens said.

"I gotta go. Love you." She made kissing noises.

"I love you too, bye." He hung up and collapsed on the bed.

Martha came in a minute later. "Are you sure you're ok? I know you haven't been the type to really express your emotions, but I'm here for you. I promise."

"Thanks." Laurens gave a fake smile.

She walked over and sat down next to him.

"I can't believe this is normal for me." Laurens whimpered.

"Do you wanna talk about it?"

"I dunno. I feel like I need to, but I can't bring myself to." Laurens explained.

Martha grabbed his backpack and pulled out his notebook. "Maybe you just need a little help."

Laurens smiled and grabbed the notebook from her and a pencil.

"I'm here." Martha wrapped her arms around him. "Talk to me."

"I hate my life! I was born into the worst circumstances a kid could live in. Even when my own father abandoned me, life seemed to just get worse. When I finally thought my life was getting better, my stupid father comes back and ruins it again." Laurens whimpered. "I hate it! I can't just be normal."