C͢u͢p͢ O͢f͢ T͢e͢a͢: K͢i͢n͢g͢b͢u͢ry͢ {DISCONTINUED?}

8

Samuel Seabury

First period had started and now I was stuck in my most hated class, debate with none other than Alexander Hamilton. He sat on the right side of the room along with my other friends, Lafayette, Thomas' cousin, Hercules Mulligan, James' brother, and John Laurens. I sat on the left side of the room with Aaron Burr, Thomas, James, and Charlie.

Other students were there like Samuel and John Adams along with John Jay and John Church. Our teacher/principal, Mr. Washington was going on about tomorrow's debate and who were going to be in it. My father made me take this class because he wanted me to be more 'assertive'.

I wasn't listening and was trying to talk to Charlie who was uncharacteristically quiet. "H-hey, Charlie." I whispered to him. He looked at me for a few moments before finally speaking. "Hey, Seastar."

"What's up..? Are you okay? You seem awfully quiet.." I said, looking a bit concerned. He stared at me again before shifting his gaze. "Oh.. yep. I'm fine. Sorry, just thinking."

'Is he...lying..?"

I decided not to press him. "Oh.. okay. Well, I brought you coffee. With the creamer you like, too!" I told him, taking the thermos out. He took it and opened it, drinking some. "Thanks, Seastar." He said and went quiet, looking around the room. Suddenly, I felt like someone was looking at me. I turned my head and was greeted by the stare of Aaron Burr. "U-um...h-hi, Aaron-"

"Seabury! No talking!" I was interrupted by the booming voice of Washington. "Sorry sir..!" I squeaked and fell silent. I looked over at Burr again who now wasn't looking at me, but at Charlie. 'That's..odd.."

I thought, now not paying attention again. 'Am I missing something? Charlie is out of character and Burr is being weird.. maybe something happened.. but what?? Maybe I'm overthinking it and being jealous! Stop worrying Samuel-'

My thoughts were interrupted by Washington. "Seabury! You're going to be debating against Hamilton for your opinion about King Jonathan Groff and if he should've been able to tax America. You will also be doing it in front of my 3rd and 6th periods. I expect you to have a paper ready for tomorrow." I felt my blood run cold and my body freeze. "W-What..?"

"You and Hamilton are going to be debating tomorrow in second period. Class dismissed." He repeated and everyone started to leave. "I-I but..!! Sir!!" I said, fearfully, but he had left the classroom. Charlie looked at me with shock and worry on his face but left the classroom, not bothering to comfort me. I heard Burr snicker and the Adams shout "Good luck!" On their way out. I just sat there, staring at nothing and panicking.

'Why didn't Charles stay?'

'Why was I chosen for this?!"

'I wont stand a chance against Alexander!'

'He's gonna tear me apart!'

'Why was Burr looking at me and Charlie?'

'Why was Charlie so silent?'

'Why me?!'

All these questions were swirling around in my mind, I didn't notice my erratic breathing or James shaking my shoulder. "Sam! Sam, are you okay?"

I looked up at him, fearfully, noticing that Thomas, Herc, and Lafayette were with him. "N-no..! I'm nowhere near okay!! Alex is going to destroy me! Oh dear god, please save me!" I exclaimed, worriedly. I was suddenly pulled into a hug by James. "Hey, hey, its going to be okay.. calm down." He cooed, rubbing my back. I nuzzled his yellow sweater and hugged him back, my breathing returning to normal. "

Don't worry about Alexandre, mon ami. John went after him to convince him to be.. how you say.. easy on tu. Stay calm Seasun." I heard Lafayette say.

"Yeah! If he upsets you, I'll kick his short ass!" Thomas yelled.

"Not if John gets to him first. Have you seen the dude when he's mad? Ya have nothing to worry about, Seabun." I chuckled at the thought of John beating up Alex.

"Thank you, guys. And you come up with the oddest nicknames for me!"

"That's because it fun, Seabunny!" James said, ruffling my hair and letting me go. They would make up all sorts of nicknames from my last name. Though.. I like Charlie's better.. Seastar. "Whatever, thank you guys. We should be getting to class now before we're all late!"

I said, grabbing my backpack and putting it on. They all agreed and followed me out of the door. Suddenly, I was stopped by James.

"Hey.. if you need anything, just let me know. Thomas told me what happened with Charles. If you ever need comfort, you know you can come to me." He said, sincerely and smiled.

"I know. Thank you, Jemmy. I just... feel like Charlie is hiding something from me. He seemed a little off and Burr was staring at me.." I told him and we started walking. "Odd.. I say just observe their behavior. Whatever happens, just know that there's always someone to help you. I just hope everything goes well with your debate tomorrow.." he replied, holding my hand and walking me to class.

"I do as well.. I have a lot of studying to do.. Thanks for helping me out, Jem. I can always count on you and everyone else." I told him as we stopped at my English class. He only smiled and gave me a brisk hug. "Anytime, Seabunny. See you later!" He waved and disappeared down the hall.

I watched him go and took a deep breath, wondering what I was going to do. After English was lunch so I decided to skip and go to the library to do research.

I already knew what my opinion was; Agreeing with the king, I just need to make a report about it. Alex always made lengthy essays so, I decided to do the same.

Yay! Time for stress!!

————

School was now over and everyone was making their exit. I waved goodbye to my friends, still thinking of today's events. I prayed that Reynolds wouldn't find out I told. I prayed that I would do good in debate tomorrow. I prayed that everything was okay with Charlie. Speaking of Charles, he ran up to me, panting a bit.

"H-hey, Seastar. I hope you're okay after what happened in class. And here is your thermos." He said and held it out. Before I took it, I studied him. "I guess I'm okay.. but why did you leave me..? You've never done that before.. And you changed your phone number on me...! Sure, I'll admit I do sound like I'm overreacting but, this isn't like you.."

"S-Seastar..!" He said, his eyes wide and I noticed him turn pale. "Charles.. I love you... you can tell me anything. Please.. what's up..?" I pressed, looking him in the eye. He opened his mouth to say something but closed it, looking back with an unreadable expression.

"Nothing's up, just stop worrying!" He said, defensively and walked off. I watched him go with a frown and headed home, sighing.

'I need to talk to King...'