Hetalia: The Fifty Stars

Chapter 2: Inventors of Unity

Pennsylvania. The 2nd state was the base of the independent nation, providing as the center of patriotic beliefs and meetings that would eventually form the United States of America. Such plans can be traced back to her beginnings.

The Commonwealth was born different among the British colonies. Disputes for her land between the English and the Dutch (along with the Swedish but little colonization) made her dislike fighting, thus she hated conflict. Eventually she'll meet her founder and caretaker, William Penn, who adopted her and taught her the virtues of a Quaker. Penn's ideologies were passed down to her, giving her a different view of government the others thought was "strange". She believed in peace; not war. She believed all religions should be respected; not discriminated. She believed her leaders were responsible to cooperate with the citizens to ensure a better state; a democracy.

Before William Penn died in 1712, while he was conscious, he believed in the idea of a united colonies of America. Never would he thought it would happen. All happening right in the city he had built.

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Waiting at the docks, I watched the bustling ships come and go in the harbor to another busy afternoon. Sailors and travelers strolled along the damp, oak platform, minding their own business and moving along with the hours that passed. Fishermen gathering their daily catch, builders finishing new boats, even businessman from the motherland were taking note of the activity and opportunity within the bustling crowd.

Standing along the docks, I was looking for a certain, busy man, waiting for him with great patience and longing. It had been too long since he left. Five years of absence and he's coming home after finishing his mission. He should've arrived earlier according to the last letter he sent. Morning, afternoon, and evening, I've checked the harbor this whole week and found no one that resembled the balding, chubby man. Unless his ship suffered problems at sea, he should've arrived by now.

While I waited for the man, accompanying by my side was his nineteen year-old daughter, Sarah. Or, Sally she was called. Her long, curly, coffee brown hair brushed and prepped, she wore a simple, pastel pink dress for the occasion. Leaning against a wooden pillar, her bright eyes gazed intently at the far ocean in the horizon for the ship that held her father. Standing beside me under my care, it was hard to believe this young girl I met five years ago was now a beautiful woman a year or two older than me. My eyes once peering over the top of her head, little Sally was now a whole head above me. The five years I stayed the same while she matured and aged into the current person today.

Sally noticed my indifferent growth, but she didn't question me. Gladly I didn't want to explain my secret. Arthur was quite strict in allowing me to openly admit our existence, so for his sake I've kept my immortality to a close few. In Sally's case, I had to excuse my special diet for my youthful appearance. Silly, but it'll do.

"Madame Penn, do you think my father will be here soon?" Sally asked.

I was underage for the title, yet the title gave off a sense of wisdom and maturity I preferred over lady. Since meeting Sally, I have always asked everyone I meet to be called madame. No one questioned my response. Maybe except Arthur who only commented of the wrong usage. Nevertheless, he respectfully called me Madame Penn on occasion.

Turning to Sally, I replied, "Maybe. His recent letter ended with his departure from London. Judging by the date he sent the letter, he should be here by now." Looking back toward the sea, a ship came into the harbor, however, it was a ship from the colonies, much to my disappointment.

The disheartened daughter gave a heavy sigh upon seeing the ship not to be her father's. "It has been too long since he went away. I miss him so much," the lady uttered displeased.