I'm SOOO sorry this took so long, guys! I lost track of time, and then it's been a month since I updated... oops. Anyway, I'm sure you guys will enjoy this chapter, and will forgive me. Also, happy birthday to John Laurens!

Maria quickly slipped Susan out of her crib, relieved that she had her daughter back. She snuck out of the apartment, taking Susan with her. She walked down the street hurriedly. The night was coming closer, but she needed a break. She knew James was staying the night at his best friend Jacob's (he went to another school) house. He was only home to pick up his stuff. She walked into a small café where she was a regular. It was pretty much empty this late at night.

"Hey- Maria?"

Maria jerked her head up, more than surprised to see Peggy Schuyler behind the counter. "Hey, Peggy. When'd you start working here?"

"A couple weeks ago. I came here all the time, I figured I could get a job here if I wanted. I was right. OH MY GOD, IS THAT SUSAN?!"

Maria laughed. "Yeah." Peggy had developed a distinct fondness for Susan.

"WAIT, SUSAN?!" A girl's voice yelled. A girl Maria recognized from school as one of Peggy's best friends popped her head around the corner, and then ran over. "OH MY GOD PEGGY SHE IS EVEN CUTER THAN YOU SAID SHE WAS! GITA'S GONNA BE SO MAD SHE MISSED HER!"

"Who's Gita gonna be mad she missed, Kyla?" Another girl asked.

"Susan. How'd you miss that, Sunday?"

"OH-"

"My god, Susan?" Maria finishes.

Sunday smiled sheepishly.

"I didn't know she was so popular."

"How could she not be? You have the cutest cousin ever!"

"Thanks."

Susan was giggling, more than pleased with all of the compliments that she was receiving. She stuck her arms out in Peggy's direction. "Peggy!"

Peggy immediately took the toddler. "Is it ok if I never giver her back?"

"Nah, I don't think that her parents would be too pleased."

"Parents always ruining everything," Kyla said.

Suddenly, the little bell on the door rang as the door flew open. "I HAVE ARRIVED! Oh, sh**." The newest girl muttered as she accidentally knocked her own glasses off of her face.

Maria chuckled.

"Really Gita?" Sunday said, picking her friend's glasses off of the floor. She put them back on Gita's face.

"I am so perfect that I have to humble myself by embarrassing myself, mmkay?"

"Big talk for someone who doesn't actually believe it."

"I came here to have a good time, and I'm honestly feeling so attacked right now."

"Guys, guys, guys," Kyla said. "Let's get Maria and sweet baby Susan some food, mkay?"

The girls quickly took Maria's order and Susan played happily in her highchair with a whole coloring book and her own box of brand new crayons. Soon, the food was served, and it was as good as always. Sunday gave Susan an ice cream cone, which delighted the baby.

"Thanks, guys," Maria said, getting to her feet. She left the money on the table. "It's past Susan's bedtime."

"Alright," Kyla said. "Goodnight! We're willing to babysit anytime!"

"I might just hold you to that," Maria said, walking out of the café and back home.