ANDPEGGYANDPEGGYANDPEGGY chapter 7

A/N I'm a really bad person. I feel really bad for making y'all wait for it. I don't have a good excuse. I really hate my writing in this chapter. It sucks. I'm sorry.

Mariah did what she did best; acted like the victim. She simpered and sighed as she accepted the new glass of water from a nervous looking Aaron Burr. She also acted a bit different, straight up ignoring Peggy's protests, toward Laf-more flirtatious, using her episode to her advantage-and her sisters-barely looking at them, and when she did, with hard, unforgiving eyes.

"So, Alex," She said, jarring him out of his conversation with Eliza. He looked up, his wide brown eyes filled with his unasked reply. "I..um...Sorry." Mariah stammered. "You're just so hot I forgot what I was about to say! Ignore me, I'm an idiot."

Alexander glanced down at his food, a flustered blush across his features. "Er, um.. You aren't an idiot… thanks?" He muttered as Eliza looked at Mariah uncomprehendingly, shy smile fading as she was met with a hard glare. Angelica stared down Mariah as she turned to Lafayette, ignoring both of her older sisters.

Lafayette noticed Mariah staring intensely at him, and quirked an eyebrow. "What is up, Peggy?"

"How did you get so good looking?" Mariah asked with a flair of righteous indignation. "Please, let me in on your secret!" she pleaded, batting her eyelashes.

Lafayette's gold eyes widened, then he leaned forward conspiratorially. "I look at whatever mon petite lion-" he pointed to Alexander, "does, and do the exact opposite."

Mariah laughed sexily, and Peggy internally marveled at how mature her own voice sounded. Nothing like the scared younger sister she was.

But what if this is who I really am? Peggy suddenly thought, a little traitorously. What if I've just been suppressing my own nature? Mariah obviously has my life in way better control. Maybe she should be in charge.

Mariah looked deeply into Lafayette's gold eyes, a somewhat shy smile gracing her lips. Laf didn't get flustered like Alex had. He just stared back, as if trying to decipher her change in personality. Mariah turned back to her salad, picking at it and stealing glances at the Frenchman. He took another bite of his burger, and finished the rest of his meal quickly.

Soon everyone was done, and Laf sighed dramatically. "As much as I enjoy watching Laurens squirm in that too small outfit, I guess it is okay for you two revenir en arrière. Your dare has been fulfilled mon cher." He winked at Mariah, and she fluttered her eyelashes back at him as she went off to change.

Eliza trailed after her younger sister quietly. Herc and John walked with them, then turned to enter the men's bathroom. The girls walked into their own. Mariah quickly entered a stall and slipped the too-big save the turtles t-shirt over her head. She tossed it to her sister, then slipped out of Laurens' jeans. Eliza dashed out of the restroom to give the clothes to Hercules. Mariah used the time to study her handiwork-a long series of cuts snaking their way down her legs and arms.

I still don't get it. Peggy thought. How did nobody notice these. I was basically holding up a sign that said 'look at me! I'm a freak show!' and no-one cared.

Peggy internally tried to see what Mariah saw, and gasped; if she held her arm against her leg a certain way, the cuts spelled out the word WORTHLESS.

I understand now. Peggy thought sadly. I understand. Mariah, you win. I'll do whatever you want, just don't hurt Lafayette.

"Alright," Mariah muttered to herself, grinning wickedly. Eliza silently handed her her clothes, and Mariah changed quickly. She flounced out of the room, ignoring Eliza completely; her baffled older sister trailed behind her.

By the time they got to the table, Aaron was back asking about desserts. Laf was explaining the situation to him, his hands waving wildly. He glanced over, and Peggy noticed his eyes light up.

"And there is our fille dont c'est l'anniversaire!" he said, gesturing at her. Mariah blushed and sat next to Laf, tossing her ponytail over her shoulder. Aaron nodded and went to get the ice cream and brownies.

"So Peggy," Laf asked while they were waiting. "Now that you are 16, what do you want to do?"

Mariah thought for a moment. "Probably get my driver's license. Redecorate my room. That kind of thing."

"Sounds fun!" Laurens replied. "When I was 16, my father took me to the aquarium. We don't usually get along, but that day we were just happy to be alive."

Everyone's cries of awwwwwww were cut of by the staff of Valley Forge, who gathered around the table and began to sing.

"Happy happy birthday, from all of us to you! Wish it was our birthday, so we could party too!"

Aaron set the brownies and ice cream plates in front of Mariah, Hercules, and Lafayette with a slightly mortified look on his face.

"I am so sorry."

When the bill-Alex insisted on paying-was all done and the birthday peeps had eaten their treats (well, Mariah shared with her sisters and barely ate two bites), everyone began heading their separate ways.

"So Laf," Mariah asked. "You wanna hang out later this week?"

Mariah ignored the incredulous looks on her sister's faces, widening her eyes as she awaited the Frenchman's response.

"Oui Peggy," Lafayette replied grinning. "I'd like that."

After exchanging numbers, Mariah waved goodbye and followed her sister out of the all hopped in Angelica's slug bug and began to drive home.

"Peg, what were you thinking?" Angelica asked. "Hitting on Lafayette like that?"

"I didn't see any problem with it," Mariah snapped, pointedly looking out the back window.

"Rita-"

"DON'T CALL ME THAT! I HATE IT WHEN YOU CALL ME THAT!" Mariah screamed.

The shocked silence in the small car was palpable. Then Peggy broke through, and she began sobbing. Harsh, racking sobs echoed in the eerie silence of the car. Peggy's older sisters glanced worriedly at each other, before Angelica punched the gas and got home in record time.

I'm sorry again guys. Especially for that blatant clone wars reference. Please review with what you like, what you hate, questions, suggestions, and/or plans to fight instead of fleeing west.

Special thanks to all who favorited and followed.

ShaymieTehShaymin- Aww thanks! I do try. Glad to see I was successful XD

JADBZWILDCHAOS- Hey, you do you. There's no need to be more chill XD

Arya Durin 51- Awwwww that is so nice! Thanks for such a kind review.

Avese23- You are too kind. Sorry bout that wait.

LaBikina- Thanks for that idea that i used the end. Was this dramatic enough for you? XD

CrazyFangirl1776- THANK YOU! TØP, Voltron, and musical theatre is my life. Hope you liked this chapter more than I did.

RandomFandomsGirl- I guess ok is a relative term. Thanks for reviewing!

Just a reminder-Remember who you are and what you stand for.

RN