You Have 51 Kids? (Statehumans)

chapter eight: Caught

[Florida's P.O.V]

Okay fine...
Maybe I'm being a little harsh, but why are my plans failing all of a sudden? I haven't lost my thing, right?
I'm still Florida Man, aren't I? I'm still Florida. . .

You know, the one who, at the last moment, you don't know is mentally sane or not? The jokester, the one with some crazy plan!
But I can't fix this. And I couldn't help that I fell through the tiles of the ceiling at dad's office.
. . . Right?

"Florida?" I turned to see Arkansas staring at me. "Are you okay?"

Confused, I looked around to find I had been crushing a small branch with my hand.
Oh. Well that makes sense.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I shrugged my brother off and looked back down at the scene.

Massachusetts had jumped down and defended Kansas while the others ran, all yelling at each other. If they can't get along in a bush for ten minutes, how they've gone their whole lives without absolutely. . . well, let's just say they haven't killed each other yet.
. . . Yet.

Well, there's no point in going through with the plan now.

But I want to know what these countries will do.

I continued to watch as the scene unfolded and sat down -quite uncomfortably I might add- on the large tree branch I had been standing on a moment earlier.

"We 'ought to do something." Texas grumbled, but I ignored him.

Leaf face, also known as Canada, jumped back in surprise and stood by Ukraine, who looked somewhat both dumbfounded and irritated at the same time.

"Wait, don't go." Ukraine's attempt at sounding soothing failed horribly. "We won't hurrt you."

By this point Kansas had already gotten to her feet and was running to the trees where the remaining members of my group hid.

I know that these countries won't hurt us, but I feel sick just thinking about having to leave the safe shelter of the trees to speak with them.
They must think we're crazy.
Actually, I am crazy, so that doesn't matter.

I kept still as Kansas ran up to Arkansas's tree and attempted to reach the shortest branch. Wow, she might be even shorter than Rhode Island.

Rhode Island.

Oh.

Whoops.

"Oh! There's more of them. . ." Canada stared up at the trees, his -disappointed?- gaze landing on me. The kid who broke into his meeting. The kid America was so desperate to take.
. . . And the kid who kicked North Korea to the ground.

Heh. . .
Yeah, now that was my fault.

I stood up defiantly, casting a slight glare at the countries to let them know I am not pleased with what has just happen.

"I am Florida." I state bluntly, steadily meeting Ukraine's hostile gaze. "And I believe one of you is hurt?"

What am I supposed to say? 'You can't talk to my dad because you'll scare the poop out of everyone in the house'? No!
But they've already found out. What's the point of keeping this secret anymore? Why is it even a secret?
. . . I know why. And that's the whole reason we tried to scare off these countries in the first place. Last time someone found out. . .

I blinked away the memories of an innocent girl crying uncontrollably and not knowing what was wrong with her.
She's safe now.

Canada opened his mouth as to speak while holding his arm up gingerly, but Ukraine spoke first.
"He's fine." She paused. "Where arre yourrr parrents Florrda?"

I narrowed my eyes. I didn't know what I expected, actually. Why wouldn't she ask about parents?
I bet she wants me to give away something about Dad.

I sighed. I don't want to be the one to say something about America.

Arkansas, who had helped Kansas up to the same branch as him, snorted and glared at Ukraine. "And what makes you think we'll tell you?"
Arkansas voiced the word 'you' as though just saying Ukraine's name was an insult.

My brother is honestly quite caring, but at times he might just be the one to save us all with his bitter tone when Kansas is involved.

Well, desperate times call for desperate measures.
"It's fine Arkansas." I looked down at my feet. "There's no reason to be rude."

I could feel the shocked gazes of my siblings resting on me as I continued. "They have found us, so there's no point in hiding anymore."
I winced, disgusted at my words. Where did that come from? I'm starting to sound like dad when he does that stupid impression of Great Britain!

Alaska frowned. "Florida, are you feeling okay?"

"Lets just take them to see dad." I replied, gritting my teeth. What's wrong with me?

"You can't be serious Florida!" Both Massachusetts and Arkansas snapped, seeming to not notice the other had even spoken.

"Alright, you have any bright ideas then?" I forced a smile. Why am I so mad?

My brothers went silent but continued to glare at me.

I open my mouth to apologize but instead turned to face the two countries.
"We'll take you to America."