Alexander's knees were about to buckle from the swarm of tiny kids around him. They clung to his legs and arms making him look like a monster of toddlers.
But Alexander had to take care of them, because no one else would. Not the kind worker lady, Ms. Manderson or the stray volunteer.
What made it worse was that Alexander hated small kids with a burning passion but for unknown reasons those small children loved him.
Aaron Burr was the other teenager who lived there and the two of them were both 17, waiting for the moment when they could leave this hell hole.
But Aaron didn't care to help Alexander, instead he read stories to the quiet 10 year old's up to the teens.
It wasn't fair.
"Philip!" Alexander screeched as the young boy tried to pull Alex's pants down. "nO!"
Theodosia sat a bit away, clapping at the boy's antics much to Alexander's distaste.
Faintly Alex could hear the opening and shutting of a door but he was too busy with the nine toddlers around him.
"Hahahaha!" Chackled one girl named Angelica Jr.
"I-I'm hungry!" Whined another that was pulling on Alex's shirt to get his attention.
"Who's that guy?" asked one kid and the all in perfect harmony turned to take at the man.
He was bald with a hat atop his head, like the ones you would see in the pirate movies. He wore a blue hoodie and black sweats. His hands were in his pockets as he stared at the children.
"Uhhh... Hello sir, can I help you?"
The man looked Alexander up and down, as if to inspect him. "I'm here to adopt." He answered simply.
Alexander nodded and all the kids let go of him. "Come with me." he said before leading the man to the main office. Inside Ms. Manderson was sorting papers.
"Oh hello Alex, who is this?" She asked, looking up.
"George Washington, it's nice to meet you Ms. Manderson. If you don't remember, I called yesterday."
"Ahh yes, I remember you!" She chirped happily. "Alex, would you be a dear and bring everyone downstairs?"
"Of course ma'am!" Alexander answered before rushing out of the office and up the stairs, calling to the other kids as he wanted. When he reached the main bedroom he peeked inside to see Burr reading a picture book to the 10 year old's.
"Hey Burr, kids. There is a man here to adopt. Ms. Manderson wants us all downstairs." I called.
Burr looked up, nodding and the kids followed me out and downstairs. Aaron did quick sweeps of the rooms, making sure they had everyone.
The kids dispersed playing or reading. Aaron walked over to Alex. "Who is it? Another couple who can't have a kid or something?"
Alexander looked over at him and shook his head. "Nah, just some random guy named George Washington."
Aaron stopped and stared at me. "George Washington as in the Ex Army General and congressman? THAT GEORGE WASHINGTON?!" He yelled silently. (I don't know so just roll with it lmao - Riley)
"Wait, that's why he looked so familiar!" Alexander and Aaron look towards the office, waiting for the moment why the man came out.
After another minuet Mr. Washington and Ms. Manderson came out.
"Children!" Ms. Manderson boomed in her usual loud voice. A hushed silence fell upon the crowd of children who turned to look her way.
"This is Mr. Washington. Can everyone say hello?"
A chorus of hi's, hello and welcome strung through the air. Aaron and Alexander however remained silent.
"Hello," greeted Mr. Washington shortly.
"Me and Mr. Washington will be coming around ok?"
Okay's answered her.
"Good, now get back to playing!"
And just like that the chatters and murmurs returned. Alex looked over at Aaron's face, trying to read his expression.
"So..." Alexander trailed off as Aaron stated daggers into Washington's back as he spoke with Philip.
"What Alexander?" Aaron snaps, not looking his way.
"Who do you think's gonna go?"
"Not us, that's for sure." responds Aaron, "He's probably only doing this to get more votes, as a charity cause. I bet you whatever kid leaves will be back sitting here in a few months."
Alexander frowned. So far it didn't seem like this was a big hoax because paparazzi would be all over the place. Part of Alexander wanted it to be genuine but he knew Aaron was right.
It was anything for the votes.
And so Aaron and Alexander sat next to each other, backs resting against the sunny yellow wall as they played on their phones.
No one ever wanted the older kids, no one would ever want them. So they wouldn't advertise themselves, besides it was the younger kids that needed to go and have a good life.
Alexander looked up Mr. Washington in hopes of finding more information on him. Supposedly he lived in Virginia but owned a house up in New York. He was said to be 'smart yet quiet, a leader in disguise'.
Although Alexander knew he wasn't quiet from the videos he had seen of the great man, nonetheless Washington fit the description.
"This is Aaron Burr and as you know, Alexander Hamilton." says Ms. Manderson made the two teens look up.
Standing over them was Ms. Manderson and Mr. Washington. They scrambled to get on their feet before the two adults.
"Hello sir." says Aaron nodding.
"Hello." said Alexander a beat after Aaron.
Washington looked at the two boys.
Ms. Manderson's smile faltered and her left eye twitched. She did that when parents couldn't find the right kid.
Alexander and Aaron was her last chance to get Washington to adopt a kid.
"Burr, take a walk with me." Washington said and the two walked off. Ms. Manderson let out a sigh of relief.
"Burr is a good kid, Washington will like him-" Ms. Manderson says as she walks off. Alexander's heart broke. One small childish part of him wanted to get adopted by someone. Over the seven years of being at the orphanage he had hidden these feelings. Feelings that he deserves a home just as much as any kid there.
But Burr would live a good life, and living with a congressman would help jump start Aaron's career in politics. Aaron had always wanted to 'be in the room where it happened' and this is his chance. His chance to be everything he wanted to be. Even if it broke Alexander's heart.
The kids disperse, some sad, some mad, some not caring. Alex was mad and so he went to his and Aaron's room. Aaron would only come in to grab his stuff and then Alex would be alone in a cold room.
He walked in and plopped down on the thin mattress. He could feel every spring through it.
He rested his head on his hands and tried to keep the tears away. A creaking at the door let him know someone was there but Alexander didn't care.
"Alexander, come on. We're going home." Alexander looked up. Standing in the door frame was Washington, beside him was Burr. Aaron had a small smile on his face.
"W-What?" Asked Alexander standing up.
"Be downstairs at 10." Called Washington before walking away. Aaron rushed into the room.
"I might have put in a good word for you."
Alex was still in shock. "B-But you could have gotten a forever home. A jump start in your career even i mean why-"
Aaron rested a hand on Alexander's shoulder. "Congrats Alexander, remember to smile more."
Alexander shook his head "I will never understand you."
Aaron smiled. "What are you waiting for?"
"See you in congress Burr."
"See you in congress Hamilton."
++++(Ten years later)++++
"What do you want, Burr? If you stand for nothing Burr, what will you fall for?" Hisses Alexander in front of congress. Burr looked over at him knowing the two men were on different sides, different teams. Different sides of a war. Different sides of the same coin.
"I- I want to be in the room where it happens. The room where it happens."
Whats your favorite book/books/ book series? Looking for suggestions
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- Riley