A/N ch 4

Hey guys! Happy Monday (well, as happy as a Monday can be ?) thanks to all the support this has gotten. Its one of my first long-term stories, and I'm soooooooo happy so many people like it! I really enjoy writing it! Please R&R and F&F if you are liking it. Replies to comments down below!

Trigger Warnings: Panic attack, self loathing

As they walked toward the restaurant, which Alex told them was only a few blocks away, Peggy allowed herself to get lost in her thoughts. She was vaguely aware of her sisters and the guys conversing idly as they walked about how crowded it would be, because it was new and apparently good quality for a low price. But she was still worried what Mariah might do to her; the ghastly possibilities were endless.

When they finally reached Valley Forge, Peggy felt like she was going to throw up. She excused herself, then walked as quickly as she could toward the bathroom without looking conspicuous. When she arrived, she locked herself in a stall. She tried humming her favorite Twenty Øne Piløts song-Friend, Please- and counting her breaths; anything to ward off the panic attack. Unable to stop them, ragged sobs tore themselves from her throat. Peggy was filled with self-loathing, a trait Mariah kept burning within her.

Gosh you are worthless . Look at you! You can't even control your own panic attacks. Keep this up, and everyone you care about will see you for what you are; a freak. A burden. Nothing. No one would notice if you died in here. Actually, they probably wish you would just die in here.

Peggy sat like that for a while, slumped against the wall, hands tangled up in her now disheveled hair, and trying to get her breathing under control, despite Mariah's taunts. She was just glad no-one else had been in or entered the bathroom while she was there. Finally, she stood and collected herself. Reaching into her purse as she approached the sink, she shakily pulled out some makeup wipes, so she could fix her face and so no one could tell she'd been crying. She reapplied mascara for the third time that day, redid her side ponytail, then scooped her makeup back into her purse.

Having exited the bathroom, she quickly located her group; all sitting together in a six seater booth, drinks already ordered. Her heart sank. They…

Forgot you! Mariah giggled maliciously. "Not now Mariah. Shut up!" Peggy muttered, then plastered what she hoped looked a like a genuine smile across her face. She walked briskly towards the table.

Lafayette looked up at her and cracked a lopsided smile. Peggy's heart melted as he scooted over enough for her to sit next to him, and patted the seat. She gladly took it, and they re entered the conversation.

"So how old are you guys?" Eliza had asked shyly.

"We're 17, except Laf." Hercules replied. "Seniors this year."

"But our minds are older!" Alex called out. Lafayette rolled his eyes and offered Peggy a menu. She blushed, fixating her eyes on the laminated list.

"I'm a senior as well. I turn 18 in February," Angelica shrugged.

"I just turned 17 last month, so I'm just a Junior," Eliza added quietly.

Hercules nodded. " I turn 18 in a couple days. The 25th."

Laurens spoke up. "And mine's next month on the 28th!" He grinned mischievously at Alexander. "But Alex skipped a grade. He only turned 17 last January." Alex blushed awkwardly, obviously embarrassed by the fact that he was the youngest in his squad, and all three of his friends laughed at his misfortune. Peggy, on the other hand, blanched. She didn't like where this conversation might take her, especially when her sisters had obviously forgotten the importance of today's date.

Lafayette cleared his throat. "Mon anniversaire était le 6 septembre, so 13 days ago. It is partially why we are out and about aujourd'hui. That and Herc's anniversaire is in 6. What about you, Peggy?" He fixed her with his beautiful golden stare, and Peggy just wanted to curl up in a little ball and die.

"I...Um…" Peggy set her menu down, partially shocked the attention had been brought around to her, and the other part of her wishing vehemently that it hadn't. How to phrase this delicately, so I don't hurt my sisters? "Actually, I turn 16… today."

Well that was exciting! Minor cliffhanger. Congrats to all who guessed it was her birthday, you were right! See you next time. Remember to review/PM me with questions, suggestions, or plans to fight instead of fleeing west. Also, review with your favorite TØP song, and I'll try to incorporate it into my story. Love YOU ALL! Stay Alive l-/

AND PEGGY- Thanks, um, I think! You have been way supportive! Hope you liked the chapter

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