Chapter 41

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AN: Translation(s) will be at very end

I'm Willing to Wait For You

Alexander's P.O.V

It's the last week.

It's the last time I'll see a lot of these people. And as I look around, I realize how many people I never took the time to get to know.

People around campus were e   finishing up classes and exchanging goodbyes. There were hugs and tears shed. Empty promises​ to talk over the summer were made.

My little group of friends, my small bubble, were exchanging goodbyes in the Lounge.

Most of us will still see each other next year, but Angelica's, who's a Senior, is leaving to go study in England next year. She she'll come to visit, but I don't know. It won't be the same.

Lafayette was hysterical. He just found out his parents are making him come home for the summer. This is the first time him and Hercules haven't spent the summer together since he's been​ in America. He's crying in French in Hercules's arms, who is desperately trying to comfort him.

"Baby it's gonna be ok I swear. We can FaceTime and text every day. And once summer break is over you'll be back and we'll spend so much time together", Hercules says. I can tell he's trying to keep it together for Lafayette's sake.

"Non, ce ne sera pas le même. Hercules je t'aime, je ne veux pas y aller!¹", Lafayette sobs.

"Laf baby I love you too, but they're your parents. You have to go", Hercules replies in a soft tone. "Besides I don't need to give  your parents more of reason to hate me."

We all feel really bad for Lafayette and Hercules. I could have been in the same position as those two if John didn't have his apartment. I don't even know where I'd be going if it wasn't for him.

Me and John are sharing a seat. He gets up and extends his hand to me. I take it and he leads me​ outside to the hallway.

"Alex I have to tell you something", he starts.

"Wassup?"

We walk to a bench in. "Um..... You might wanna sit down for this", he says. He looks worried.

"John what's wrong?", I ask, taking a seat. My mind is already exploring the hundreds of possible things he's about to say. I immediately start imagining​the worst.

What if he's sick? What if somebody died? Oh God, what if breaking up with me?

Before I can think I can think in this any longer, he takes a deep breath and begins talking.

"Alex. Alexander. I love you. You know that. I say it no less than twenty times a day. You put purpose into my life. I would have been lost without you. I thank God everyday for creating you. For letting me love you."

Suddenly he gets on one knee, and pulls out a little box.

He opens it.

There's a black ring in it.

"John........."

"It's not what it looks like", he assures me. "I know you're probably not ready for that type of commitment, and honestly neither am I. But I do want to marry you someday."

"John, I-"

"It's a promise ring. A promise that we will stay together. I know you're not ready. But I'll be here when you are. I'm willing to wait for you."

I can feel the tears starting to form. I open my mouth but can't get a word out.

"It's ok. You don't have to talk. Just nod. Do you, Alexander Hamilton, promise to love me and stay by my side, through thick and thin. Do you promise to one day, in the future, take my hand in marriage."

He looks up at me, his eyes wide, pleading, and hopeful. The freckles that I fell in love with seem to glisten in the sun's light.

"I do."

His looks shocked and elated at the same time.

John jumps up​ and hugs me. I hug back, squeezing him tightly.

When we let go he takes my hand and slides the ring on to my left ring finger. Then he digs a hand into his pocket and fishes out a matching ring,  which I put on his finger.

We walk back into the Lounge, hand in hand. Hercules is still comforting Lafayette, but at least he's calmed down a bit.

Angelica is the first one to notice the rings. Her eyes widen and her jaw drops.

I mouth to her "I'll explain later",  and she drops it.

***

I watch as Angelica walks across the stage to get her diploma.  I see Mr. Schuyler wipe a tear from his face. We're all so proud of her for being valedictorian.

After the every one is announced, Professor Washington walks up to the podium.

"I thank everyone for coming to Columbia University's 2016-2017 graduation ceremony. There aren't words to describe how proud I am of these students and all the work they've done this year", says Washington. "And as you go out into the world, let me tell you what I'd wish I'd known, when I was young and dreamed glory. You have no control, who lives, who dies, who tells your story. I know that you can win. I know that greatness​ lies in you. But remember from here on in, history has its eyes on you."

Chills go down my spine.

***

After the ceremony Sam Adams, a graduating senior who was developing his own beer, announced that he was hosting a party in the Lounge.

Despite the loud music and crazy yelling, John and I never got distracted from each other. I giggled as he kiss me on my nose and cheeks.

"Oh my gosh you guys are so cute, it's sickening", says Eliza. "By the way have you seen Peggy?"

"Uh, yeah. I think I saw her and Maria leave about fifteen minutes ago", says John.

"Well then there's no point in trying​ to get to her until the morning."

As the party starts to die down, me and and John leave and head back to the dorm.

"Alexander have I ever told you how beautiful your eyes look in the moon light?", gushes John.

"John have I ever told you how much of a dork you are."

He starts to giggle and let's a snort slip out.

"John Laurens, I can't wait to marry you", I say.

"The feeling is mutual Alexander Hamilton."

And there we are, kissing outside of the co-ed dorms, under to shining moon.

It's only a matter of time.

Oh my God! It's over! The last chapter. I actually cried while writing this. Y'all have been so supportive. I thank everyone who has been with me from the beginning​. Y'all have dealt with my shitty update schedule and my numerous spelling errors. I honestly don't understand how I managed to get over 10K reads. I love y'all so much.

Update: The new book is up! It's call It's Only A Matter Of Time. Please go check it out y'all.



Translation

¹No, it won't be the same. Hercules I love you, I don't want to go!

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