If Only
~Chapter 19: Enough~
Eliza had enough.
Eliza thought it would a be a nice summer day like before. Maybe walk around with the children or just lazily stroll with Hamilton or cooking with the other girls or play some songs with his parents. How wrong she was. Today, the kids woke them up, which is a pleasant surprise, but Angelica had a pretty annoyed face. Eliza wanted to cheer her eldest daughter up but instead Hamilton took charge. And Hamilton and Angelica fought. Well not fought, more like debated. It ends with a tie, Phillip being the tie breaker.
Usually when Hamilton and Angelica was debating like this, it would only last for a few hours before they got tired of it. This time, it dragged on way longer than that. Eliza was hoping it would get better for breakfast, but nope. Her father, Burr and Hamilton started talking about politics which somehow this time killed the mood for her. It's not that she hates her family talking about politics, but come on, it's summer break can't they give it a rest?
After that it just went frantic. Hamilton would debate with Angelica again and again. Something goes wrong. Eliza would panic. She would somehow walk in to Theodosia and Phillip making out while she was in a daze. If not Theodosia and Phillip, she would find her sister flirting with Thomas. The day just went worse each passing second. Well not 'worse', the correct word to describe the day for Eliza was 'annoying'.
Eliza decided, no walking around and strolling with others today. She'll be walking alone. She needed time to sort herself out.
Ha! Sorry girl, but it's raining.
Eliza grunted as she watched what could've been a nice evening passed with the rain. It's not storming, just raining. She sighed, she really wanted to play the piano now. Maybe it'll cheer her moods up. So Eliza stood up from the chair near the window and headed to the piano. She put her fingers on the key. A sweet small upbeat lovely song would be just ri-
"BUT POPS! YOU SAID TODAY THAT I COULD-"
"ANGELICA THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU COULD-"
"OH MY GOD ENOUGH." Eliza shouted and abandoned the piano. She stood between her husband and her eldest daughter. Hands crossed over her chest as she glared at Hamilton and Angelica. "Now you listen to me."
"Ma!" Angelica wanted to defend herself but Eliza turned to her and a strict glare was given. Phillip and Theodosia walked in, and as if called, pretty much everyone was in the room.
"Sweetheart, I said enough." Eliza said it softly and sweetly but anyone can feel the hint of annoyance in it. Eliza's right hand went to massage her forehead. "I'm sick of all this fighting."
"Eliza-" It was Hamilton's turn. He tried to pull her to his embrace and calm her down. But Eliza gave him her hand.
"Ya-pa-pa-pa-pa. I think you've said enough." She glared at Hamilton. Oh now they know they've pushed it too far. Eliza never snapped like this before. At least not in this timeline, Theodosia thought. Theodosia, Phillip, and pretty much everyone there was a bit amused. They watched as Eliza lost her composure. "Now listen to what I say. What I say goes."
Everyone there thought Eliza was going to criticize every little things wrong about Hamilton and Angelica but they were wrong. Instead, Eliza showered each other about how much little things they did actually mattered to each other. How Hamilton lead the family, how Angelica brought sunshine to the family, how proud Hamilton was at all of his children, how Angelica was such a great older sister, the list goes on and on. By the time Eliza was done talking, Hamilton and Angelica attacked her with hugs. Hamilton pouring kisses to his wife while Angelica held her tight.
"Well, that ruins it." Phillip commented. Voice flat, if not a bit disappointed. Theodosia held in a small giggle. Everyone was a bit annoyed looking at the scene. Phillip pulled Angelica and Hamilton away from Eliza which resulted in Eliza's confusion. Phillip didn't bother with it. Instead he turned to his father and sister, "Both of you promised you won't go overboard."
"I'm sorry." Hamilton and Angelica said together but it wasn't enough to appease Phillip's annoyance. Hamilton and Angelica had their head held down, a bit guilty. But one close look and anyone can see the mischievous smile the father-daughter shared. Phillip was certainly the one in charge. Theodosia walked over to Eliza and locked arms with her, a smile wide on her face, while Eliza was still confused.
"I told you that both of you will go overboard. But what did you promise?"
"That we won't go overboard."
"Well now what have you done?"
"We've ruined the party for-"
Eliza's eyebrow furrowed, "Party?"
Theodosia and Phillip dropped their act first. Both of them went to Eliza and started singing.
Happy birthday to you.
Angelica and Hamilton soon followed along, the guilty expression from them long gone. Phillip Schuyler and the everybody started singing along. Everyone was now surrounding Eliza.
Happy birthday to you.
Angelica Church Schuyler, put out the birthday cake and walked to Eliza's front. A wide smile, a satisfied one on her face. Eliza's children surrounded her, within their hands a small box of presents. Hamilton walked over to Eliza's side and kissed her once more.
Happy birthday dear Eliza.
Then it was silent as Hamilton took the spotlight and happily smiled at his wife, "Happy birthday to you."
Eliza stared. So… it was all an act… since morning… Tears burst from her eyes and she hid her face on Hamilton's chest. Pure happiness and laughter accompanied the tears. Everyone laughed along with her. Small punched on Hamilton's chest as he laughed too. Eliza turned to a mess of laughter, "You got me. You guys got me good."
"Yeah?" Hamilton pulled her into his embrace and showered her with kisses, as if he could never get enough. "We've been planning this for weeks!"
"Sure did. I made the cake for you, based on Mama's recipe." Theodosia informed.
"Phillip and I decorated it!" Angelica pulled Phillip along. Then the kids walked in, all with presents in their hands. It was presents from others, they just gave it to their mother. The party went unexpectedly tame. She thought there would be more to take care of but everyone behaved. Phillip and Theodosia disappeared from the party, Eliza don't think Burr noticed. Hamilton wouldn't leave her side the whole night. Her kids were there, showering her with the same attention she had given her over the past years. She couldn't asked for more.
Writer's Note:
Why did I make this chapter that has no real connection to the main plot?
Because Elizabeth Hamilton is a cinnamon roll.
That's why.
Thanks for reading and the reviews!