"Relax Maria, we've explained everything. They'll understand, and besides, you need more female friends." Thomas said with smile.

"I don't have any female friends." Maria said with a sigh.

"Exactly my point." Thomas continued.

   They were in Thomas' car, on their way to have lunch with the group at the nearby café. Maria was understandably worried. What if they didn't like her, or were disgusted by her pregnancy. She was so worried that she would ruin things for Thomas  and James by embarrassing them in front of their friends.

    However when they pulled up to the café she swallowed her fears, and headed inside. Thomas lead her to a large table near the back where everyone else was sitting. Maria took a seat beside Thomas, who was sat next to James. Everyone was talking and laughing.

" Hey, where's Eliza?" John asked.

"Oh, she's on her way. She had to attend some interview thingy to be an teachers assistant at a elementary school across town." Peggy explained.

"Speak of the devil." Herc said with a smile as the café door opened and Eliza stepped inside. She carefully removed her hat and smoothed down her straight black hair, as she scurried over to the table. She greeted everyone with a friendly smile. Maria jumped a little when Eliza sat down next to her and offered her hand out.

"Elizabeth Schyler, it's a pleasure to meet you." Eliza said.

"Oh h-hello, I'm Maria" Maria spoke quietly.

"How did things go at the interview?" Peggy asked.

"Wonderful. I'm going to be working in a music class. I'll help teach hundreds of children to sing, and play piano."

"Congratulations." Angelica said proudly, and everyone else agreed.

"You know," Thomas said "Maria is actually a wonderful singer."

    Maria swore she could of murdered him on the spot, until Eliza spoke excitedly.

"Oh really? You should show me sometime."

"Y-yeah....maybe." Maria stuttered

"Oh, don't be shy mon ami. I'm shure your a wonderful singer." Lafayette said encouragingly. Everyone made sounds of agreement.

    As the afternoon continued on, Maria felt herself become more comfortable around this group of lively individuals. The conversations were so open and energetic, and nobody got left out. Somehow they got on the topic of Maria's pregnancy.

"Have you thought of any baby names yet?" Peggy asked.

"Well I haven't given it alot of thought, but I've always loved the name Aiden, if it's a boy that is." Maria said.

"You know what?" Peggy said excitedly. " I think we should have a baby shower don't you think?"

"Maybe sometime in July?" Eliza added. "Since the baby is due in August."

"I don't see why not." Angelica said.

"Yay. I literally cant wait." Peggy said with a sqeal. "Oh that reminds me, what's everyone's plans for New Years Eve?"

    Nobody really had any plans, wich was perfect for Peggy.

"Great beacuse we rented out a hotel suite in time square, so we can watch the ball drop." Peggy said and the table errupted in to sounds of awe and excitement.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Word Count: 510)

   New years eve is coming soon, and let me just say It's been one hell of a year. I started this book journey in October and these past few months have been so full of love and it's all thanks to you.

Sincerely,
Welp