Chapter Twelve

William had always wanted a pet. His parents always said no. But he wasn't ready to give up. Every time he saw his friend, Stephen with his dog, he was even more determined. Somehow, someway he would be rewarded with an animal for him to take care of by himself.

He was on his way home from Philip and Theodosia's, something he was extremely proud of himself for being able to do. There was a noise. No, more like a whimper. William made his way over to it. Inside a bush was a puppy. The sun had started to set, but he could tell that the dog had golden fur with black eyes. This was William's chance to get a pet.

"You're coming home with me, little guy," said William, "I'm gonna name you George Washington. George Washington Hamilton. I'm gonna take good care of you, unless my name isn't William Stephen Hamilton."

The boy made his way home with George Washington under his arm. Once he arrived, he found not his parents, but Annie and David kissing in the parlor. William made gagging noises.

"That's enough!" William yelled, surprising the couple. They stopped and stared at him, "Besides, I don't think that Papa would wanna see you going that. Remember last time?"

"Don't. Tell. A. Soul," Annie commanded through clenched teeth.

Her little brother only laughed. "Where are Mama and Papa?"

"Visiting Aunt Angelica with everyone else. I volunteered to stay home and make sure that you got here safely," Annie replied.

"No, you wanted to stay so you could visit your lover."

Annie blushed. "Not another word out of you, you little-" William's coat barked. "What was that?"

William took George Washington out. "This is my new pet. His name is George Washington."

"You know that you aren't allowed to have a pet!"

After thinking for a moment, William answered,

"I won't tell Mama or Papa that your 'Friend' was over, if you don't tell them about George Washington."

"Fine. Taking care of him is your problem, though."

The two siblings shook hands. David, who had been quiet throughout their deal, stood. He took Annie's hand, which made William gag again. But he stopped once Annie shot him a look.

"I believe that it is time for me to go," David said, leading Annie to the door.

She pouted. "Please, Davey. My parents shouldn't be home for a while."

"My father will be wanting me home to take care of mother. Love you." With that David pecked his girl's forehead and went out the door.

"EW!" William screamed.

"Oh, grow up!"

Hiding George Washington had proven to be a lot harder than he thought it would be. He found a few newspapers and blankets. When he told John about it, he provided him with a ball to entertain. All of his siblings who found out kept George Washington a secret for him. One day, William decided, he would do something super nice for them.

It was when Eliza was cleaning, she discovered everything.

All the kids were visiting Philip and Theodosia that morning. Alexander was on a walk. With the house to herself, Eliza decided to finally clean out John's and William's room. A foul smell had been coming from the room for ages. But when Eliza entered the room, she heard a "bark". As she neared the bed, the cries grew louder.

There was a dog.

Eliza let out a scream. She hadn't expected a dog to be there. As soon as her initial surprise had disappeared, anger poured down on her. More secrets was the last thing she needed. Secrets, surprises had only ended badly in the past. Either John or William had brought this dog home. But both of them had kept their word about not telling her.

She heard the door open. Slowly, Eliza scooped the dog up and ran downstairs. Alexander was hanging up his coat when he noticed Eliza with the new pet?

"I found this while cleaning out John and William's room," she explained.

"Where did it come from?"

"I have a feeling most of the children know."

When William came home the last thing he expected was to see his mother with a scowl on her face, pointing at a dog. The young Hamilton gulped.

"Hi Mama," he chocked out, "How are you today?"

Eliza rolled her eyes at her son. "Where did you get him?"

So William found himself repeating the story of how he found the poor, lost creature. Once he finished, Eliza's lips had formed a small smile. She cradled George Washington.

"I'm okay with you keeping him, if your father is. I know that he's always wanted a dog," Eliza told him.

William cheered. He took George Washington from his mother. As soon as he was about to run out of the room to inform his siblings, Eliza stopped him softly.

"Just make sure that you stop keeping secrets. Not telling us about these kind of things, and others, tear this family apart. I don't want that to happen again," Eliza whispered, "Do you understand, Willy?"

Her son nodded. This time Eliza let him go.

No more secrets would ruin their relationships with each other.

This chapter was somewhat based around the story behind "Dear Theodosia" my very favorite song from Hamilton.

I made a board on Pinterest about this story. I have the link to my Pinterest account on my profile, if you want to check that out.

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