Two Can Keep A Secret

Memory 3.

9 April 1865

It's over. Finally, it's over.

Cheers echoed across the streets, waving flags put up everywhere. Songs were sung of Dixie lands defeat and soldiers returning home were rushing to their families.

The war was over for America.

But not for Alfred.

-

Alfred's hand shook, unable to move from the handle. Next to him stood his children, the ones that partook in the war. Behind the door stood the states that fought against them in cold blood, showing no hesitation in their brutality.

A tense air had surrounded them. Everyone had just one thought on their mind.

'Is it still them? Will they attack us on sight, try and kill them again?'

No one wanted to find out.

New Hampshire quietly walked up behind Alfred, placing a small (far too small, he shouldn't have let them in the war-) hand on his shoulder.

"We'll be fine, pops. They'll have snapped out of it by now. They still love us."

His words gave little reassurance, but still managed to lift the mood. Indiana nodded, Connecticut sighed, Delaware and Massachusetts glanced at the other, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania exchanged wary grins while the others crowded around the door.

Alfred breathed out deeply, and the wood creaked as it opened.

Slowly, ever so slowly, they edge into the room. Around a table sat the southern states, all seeming to be in various states of distress. They all had that look in their eyes, as one does after war, that broke Alfred's heart. He's pretty sure you could hear it shatter and fall to the floor in pieces.

Their entrance, despite trying to be silent, had the children (no, teens now-) bolt to a stand. Each and every one holds a military like stand, one hand to their chest the other behind them.

"SIR!"

Their strained voices shouted out in unison. Texas had his eyes shut tight, Mississippi bowed her head, Florida clenched his hands, Alabama had tears gathering and the Carolina Twins shoulders were shaking. Arkansas, the Virginias, Tennessee and Georgia couldn't look neither their siblings or their father in the eye.

Alfred's sure that if his heart wasn't broken before, it would've been buried in the dirt by now.

"At ease."

Alfred barely holds back tears at their shocked looks. He steps back, revealing their siblings behind him. He nods at them, gesturing for them to 'go reunite with your brother's and sisters.'

As if a spell had been broken, they all rushed into a group hug. Scattered laughs, tearful smiles and soft reassurances and apologies we're heard from the dog pile.

Alfred watched silently with tears streaming down his face, his heart aching. He still remembers every time he had to face his children in battle. He can only hope they forgive him.

He's brought out of his thoughts when hesitant steps approach him.

"Dad?"

A soft voice said.

"Nevada?"

Alfred turns to look at his son. He has his arms crossed over his chest, face scrunched up.

"I'm sorry, dad. I'm so so sorry."

His features soften, his cheeks glinting with tears. He motions towards his son, opening his arms as an invitation. Nevada bursts into tears, running into his father's embrace. Hearing the commotion, the dog piled states separate.

Buried in his sons hair, Alfred can only hear their footsteps as they wander closer, murmured apologies and wet spots on the back of his jacket as they join in.

They all eventually sink to the floor, a mess of tears and snot and desperately tight hugs.

"Promise me."

They go quiet.

"Promise me you'll never fight eachother again. Please."

His voice cracks on the end, audible through the crushing warmth.

"We promise."

They all notice he doesn't say his name.

-

If your losses outweigh your profits, did you really earn anything at all?

-

Heyooo. So again, not American (whoopeee!!/jk) so feel free to correct me n shit. Anyways, y'all won't BELIEVE what happened today. Our parents just got the message that our grade (only ours!!) was invited to the early viewing of Transformers One in theaters!! Like the release date is 27th September but WE get to see it 18th September!!! When I tell you I was excited, holy hell. I am a MASSIVE transformers fan and getting this news blew my mind. I cannot believe we were this lucky. Anyways, I've rambled enough lmao. Goeiemorê, middag, aand of nag!