Second Chances

Chapter 9 Historical Q&A and Extra Info

Lilith I's death. There was a reason she died. She was not supposed to die like that. There was originally only one Lilith. Basically, I've always written Lilith to be 17. That was her original thing. But then I wanted John to hold her and be godfather, and I couldn't do that without her being as old as Philip. My solution? Have two. It's pretty morbid.

Also, the reason she died. Basically, Anastasia's body went through a lot of stress when her mother died, and that ended up being really bad for the pregnancy. Lilith I's lungs were underdeveloped and she ended up just not being able to breath very well. She unfortunately suffocated.

Body count of Chapter 9? (Including Anastasia)

Skylar, Dad, Mom, John, Lilith I, Washington, Peggy, Lilith II, Alexander, Jonathan, Angelica, George, John (Son), Lafayette, Burr (Sir), Harrison, Eliza, Anastasia

18 Deaths (Not even counting Hercules Mulligan, who died before Lafayette, I believe - Ana wasn't as close with him, so she wasn't even aware he died until she saw his grave)

Slapping Alexander:

Alexander doesn't hold this against her. He trusts Anastasia a lot, and if she thinks that he fucked up, then he, to some degree, believes he fucked up. He respects her and her opinions, and they make a very good writing team. They have a strong friendship, though it is the weakest among her relationships with the Gay Trio™

I wrote this in a response to a comment on my wall, but most people probably don't read that, so I'll put it here too.

Anastasia's Relationship with Washington/Charlotte's (Ana's mother) Relationship with Washington:

Alright, Anastasia loved George Washington. He was the only real father figure she had, and she respected him a shit ton. She named her son after him (obviously), and he kinda became like a grandfather to her children. Washington didn't have biological children, but Anastasia was someone who was taken in as a sort of adopted child.

Charlotte: Charlotte and GWash got along pretty well. I mean, George was there at her funeral. It wasn't just to support Anastasia. He had a bit of a crush on Charlotte, but he was loyal to his wife (we stan a loyal husband - You could learn something from him, Alex *cough cough bitch cough cough*). Charlotte was also a friend of Martha's, so she never would've let George cheat with her anyway. They did like each other though.

Does Lilith ever find out that she's Lilith II?

NOPE.

Side note though: Lilith I and II are actually the same Lilith, spiritually. It's a rarity, but it does happen.

What does Jonathan think of Lafayette and Anastasia's relationship?

He low key ships them.

Low key, Anastasia actually wrote one of Ham's Federalist Papers (he only wrote 50, but she wrote one and he liked it so much that he put it with his work, and with her permission, claimed it as his own). Madison was actually really impressed and congratulated Ham on his work, but Ham admitted that it was Anastasia's work. Madison wanted to meet her, but Ham wouldn't let him

Jonathan Derven dies in 1813

George and John Derven die in 1816

I never directly state what happened to George Derven, so I will here. George and John had finished a court case and won, convicting a murderer to prison. The murderer's wife took a gun and shot George outside the courthouse. She was stopped before she could shoot John, but John held George. His brother died in his arms.

Here's a bonus fact. There was a gun on the desk where John left his letters to his wife and Anastasia. He couldn't bring himself to die that way, though, because that very gun had been the one to kill Lilith, and he couldn't do that to his mother. 

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Anastasia's reaction to Washington's death (Because goddammit, I forgot it in Part 2):

"Mother?" I look up as Lilith enters the sitting room. She has a letter in her hand, and she walks over to sit beside me.

"You have a letter from Virginia. It's from Martha," she says. I smile slightly and take the letter from her, carefully ripping it open. I receive letters from Martha rather frequently. She's very dear to me. I unfold the letter and begin to read the letter.

My Dear Anastasia,

It is most unfortunate and saddening that I must inform you of my husband's passing.

My eyes widen, and though I immediately begin to tear up, I force myself to continue to read.

He passed in his sleep peacefully after being overtaken by an illness. I know how close you were with him. He was much like a father to you, and you should know he loved you dearly. You were like a daughter to him. His passing pains me in the deepest manner, and I can imagine you feel the same. If it is possible, I invite you to his funeral. If I do not see you there, please remain strong. He admired you for this such attribute. Do not lose it in his passing.

With Condolences and Love,

Martha Washington

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Tears roll down my cheeks and drip onto the parchment.

"Mother?" Lilith places a hand against my arm.

"Your grandfather is dead," I whisper, unable to look at her. She tenses beside me for several moments, silent.

"Grandfather Washington?" she asks meekly. I swallow and nod. She carefully takes the letter from my hands and sets it beside her, before wrapping her arms around me.

"He wasn't even all that old..." I whisper, more to myself than to her. She squeezes me tightly, and I bite my lip as I begin to cry. He was the only loving father I've ever had...And now he's gone. It feels as though a hand brushes across my shoulder, and I look up. There's nothing there. Then a tingling sensation around me. And I realize it's him. Washington is here with me, trying to offer comfort from his place in the afterlife. Another tear rolls down my face, but I smile a little.

"I love you, Père (Dad)."

Huh. That was short. Anyway, you enjoy. Chapter 10 will be the next post on here.