Reading Nation's Diaries

Canada's Secrets

When Canada and America settled themselves in the room for the diary to be read, Canada noticed that England was far away from everyone else in the room. Come to think of it, Canada hadn't seen England interacting with other nations very much since arriving. Canada vowed to try and talk to him later.

America had put his facade of being okay up once again, even if everyone already knew what was underneath. He waited for several minutes, ignoring the stares and sideward glances thrown at him, until Austria picked up the book.

"I will read now. You must all be quiet while I read this. 'According to official history, England was the one who led the burning of Washington during the war of 1812. In actuality Canada gathered a bunch of his an England's troops and stormed the place in a fit of frustrated jealousy. He was even the one who started the fire, and purposely allowed himself himself to be caught in the act by his brother. When questioned why (as if it wasn't obvious in the first place), Canada pretended to be frightened and nervous when he said England was the one who persuaded him to get revenge for York. America seem genuinely stunned at this, and after letting go of the then-colony, said not a word about the matter.
Canada thinks this is one of the big reasons why it took so long for America and England to get along again. He feels so conflicted about the fuel to the ongoing tension between the two of them. On one hand, he thinks it is poetic justice for being ignored and overshadowed all these years, but on the other, he knows it was rather cruel to pit them against each other like that. Secretly, they both know it was him and they've already forgiven him. They're just waiting for him to officially admit it and apologise.'"

There was a stunned silence throughout the room and everyone stared at currently very visible northern nation. Canada wished for his invisibility to return but received no such luck. He tried to hide behind America but his brother couldn't overshadow him this time. Not a word was uttered but Canada was all to aware of every pair of eyes in the room, all directed at him.

After what felt like an eternity but was, in reality, only a few minutes, Canada finally squeaked out, "I'm sorry."

America pulled Canada closer to him with one arm and whispered, "Its okay. We've already forgiven you."

Canada made no move to escape his brother. He requested that Austria keep reading and settled down in America's hug.

"Okay then, I will continue now. 'Canada had perfect eyesight until the second battle of Ypres during WW1. The Germans used tear had against Canadian troops, not only blinding and killing many of Canada's soldiers, but also causing irreversible damage to his vision.'"

Germany looked down at the floor. He was feeling incredibly guilty but couldn't formulate the right way to apologise to the Canadian. He was whispering 'I'm sorry' under his breath repeatedly until Canada wriggled out of America's grip to tell the German that he forgave him.

Germany still couldn't forgive himself for the atrocities he had committed but it felt nice to know that others didn't hate him for what he did.

"I will read one more after this one. 'Dear diary, I know I shouldn't ask for much but... it makes me feel sad sometimes people forget that my people fought in WW1 and WW2. A week after France and England declared war, I independently announced that I would fight, too. I trained Arthur's and Al's pilots. I fought in Normandy on June 6, 1944 along side my brother and Arthur. On D-Day. I held my beach there and reached my objective to save France. I was one of the liberators of the Netherlands. And yet... I'm usually forgotten. Or considered cowardly and weak. I wonder what I did to make them think this way...~Canada'"

Canada was trying to hide but everyone was paying attention to him. Canada's beloved papa, France, pulled him into a hug which Canada gratefully accepted. He glanced over at England and saw his other father torn between joining him and France or staying put. Canada was confused about his actions, England was never so cautious about seeing to one of his former-colonies needs. Canada realised, with no small amount of shock, that England was afraid to join France and himself. Why would that be the case? When Canada was finally released from his papa's hold he ran over to England to give him a hug as well.

Austria, seeing that the pair wanted him to continue, began reading the final entry of the day, "This is the last one that I will read, 'Dear diary, I have a doctor's degree but I'm afraid to tell people for fear they will call me Doctor Who...~Canada'"

There was a bit of laughing at the entry but everyone dispersed quickly after Austria set the book down. England sat with Canada for several minutes, Canada refused to let the cuddle cease. England felt wanted and at ease for the first time in a long while. Canada noticed how England's face relaxed when the other nations left and his fears we're confirmed.

"England," Canada said, gaining the elders attention, "What's wrong?"

England didn't say anything. Canada wanted to know what was wrong with England but didn't want to push him either. It wasn't worth the unnecessary upset, especially when it would probably come to light later.

"England, America and I were going to have a party in our room tonight, do you want to join us? It'll be us three, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Sealand and possibly Iceland, if you want to come."

England shook his head, he didn't want to intrude on them and he was certain that almost everyone in that group hated him anyway.

"That's fine. If you change your mind, you're always welcome," Canada said, standing up. He got the feeling that England wanted to be alone right now and, although he didn't like it, he respected England enough to give him the space he needed. There was something wrong with him but Canada didn't want to pry. With a sigh he left to go to his brother's party.

England was alone in the main room and had time to think in peace and quiet. Maybe he should have taken Canada up on his offer but he didn't want to be in the way, all of the nations at the party had all expressed their hatred for him and he couldn't just go and force his way into their lives once more.

Meanwhile, the party in America and Canada's room was getting underway. Canada had informed America of his invitation to England and America had scoffed at the thought of there being something 'wrong' with England, he was always grouchy. Canada let the subject drop but was still rather concerned for the former empire.

At some point the party broke up for dinner. Once people finished eating they went to bed, preparing for the next day of torment.