You Have 51 Kids? (Statehumans)

chapter nine: We are the United States of America

[America's P.O.V]

I sighed and looked down at my kids from the stairwell.

Illinois was playing monopoly with Montana, Ohio was running away from New Jersey screaming, Washington was blowing raspberries at New York, Hawaii was somehow sleeping through this chaos, and West Virginia was singing Country Roads while using a toothbrush as a microphone.

"Go fish!" Illinois slapped a 'free parking' card onto the table.

"That's not how you play!" Montana looked like she just died inside.

I stopped listening to my states and instead decided to stress about my upcoming trip. I can feel heaviness dragging at my eyelids.

I went to the store yesterday to buy more fire extinguishers. Arizona had another fire and bumped into Utah, so Utah got another fire and then it just went down hill from there.

Anyway, I met my father, Great Britain, and he told me that I was assigned to some trip involving some people in Japan and that we would be gone for almost a week. I don't even want to think about how to take care of my states at the same time.
This trip is right after my vacation, which is tomorrow and lasts a week.

I closed my eyes.

Japan. Apparently she thinks I have unlimited energy and she keeps on bowing up my phone with texts like 'Hi America-Kun! How are you today? Me, South Korea, Russia, Canada, and Mexico are going to hang out if you want to come!'.
And I would say yes, but I don't think I have enough energy. They should be starting to worry about me soon.

Don't forget North Korea.

Oh. Yeah. Can't forget North Korea. He definitely hates me. I don't know-

Wait.

I looked around.

I'm hearing things. Now I know for sure I'm suffering from sleep deprivation.

Then get some sleep.

I jumped, looking around for whoever said that. I don't recognize this voice.

Whatever. I slept through the entire four hour meeting yesterday so I shouldn't be complaining about 'not having sleep'.
Although I think Russia and Canada are convinced somethings up with me. I shouldn't be too worried, though. It's not like they know where I live or anything.

Plus, if someone lives out in the middle of nowhere, I think they might want to be left alone.

But you don't.

"Yes I do." I whispered. "It's safer this way."

To my relief, the voice went silent.

"Daaaddd!"

I took a breath. Was something off here? It's. . .
quiet.

"Dad!"

"Georgia put that down!" I went down the stairs over to my daughter. Still, something feels like it's missing here.

[Kansas's P.O.V]

I hid behind Arkansas as he glared defiantly at Canada and Ukraine.
We were walking along the path to our house.

I need to be strong! This is Canada, after all. And I assume this 'Ukraine' girl is his girlfriend or something. I need to make a good impression.
I forced a friendly smile and stepped out from behind my brother.

To my relief, Florida was patiently speaking with these countries, and I stepped back behind Arkansas, who glanced back at me with an unreadable expression.

"So do you have an explanation forr this? And how do you know America?" Ukraine huffed, crossing her arms as we walked.

Wow, she's almost as sassy as Louisiana. But with a weird accent.

Canada looked back at Ukraine and smiled reassuringly. Ukraine's gaze softened and she looked away.

"You see," Florida suddenly seemed uncomfortable. "I guess you'll find out sooner or later."

"We're America's kids." Texas blurted out, as though he couldn't stop himself.

Ukraine froze and stared at Texas as though she were both shocked and suspicious.
Canada stopped walking, eyes wide, and sucked up a slight gasp.

"America doesn't have any kids. . ." Canada breathed out, through it sounded more like a question than statement.

"If that were true, who are we then?" Rhode Island, who looked like he'd been pouting a moment earlier, frowned.
"You think we look like Spain or Greece? Would you believe me if I walked over and said 'Hi I'm New Zealand'?"

California shifted uncomfortably on her feet. "He's right. Do we look like countries?"

I mutter something under my breath, and freeze as everyone looks at me.
My heart is racing.
Will I offend anyone?
No, of course not!
Ugh, stop thinking about this!

I step out from behind Arkansas.
"We are the United States of America. The states, I mean." I added, cringing at my words. I must sound so weird.
"Ever wonder where the name comes from? It's not just some silly joke. We are the states, and we, together, are America. We are almost every bit of his personality. Only one spot belongs to him, and that is your America."

I open my eyes. I guess I had closed them when I got nervous.
Everyone was still staring at me.
Even Arkansas was.
What? All I said is what they were trying to say!
What else should I say?

I hid back behind my brother. It's much easier to be an extrovert when it's just me and my siblings.

"We're here." Kentucky announced after a moment.

Suddenly a yell sounded by the house.
"Get it off! Get it off!" New Hampshire was screaming, running full speed with Minnesota chasing him.

"It's alright! Calm down!" She yelled. "It can't hurt you!"

"Get it off!" New Hampshire jumped to the ground, rolling in the still wet grass in attempt to get whatever it was off of himself.

California bolted forward, probably trying to help New Hampshire as Minnesota joined them.

America, meanwhile, was chasing Utah, who was on fire.
Apparently not noticing Canada and Ukraine, Utah let out a war cry and dashed right over to Arizona and Florida.

Arizona screamed and ran over to dad, who was holding a fire extinguisher, while Florida seemed rooted to the ground where he stood.
Navada was standing in the yard, eyes wide, staring directly at the new countries.

. . . America hadn't noticed yet.

He sprayed Utah with the fire extinguisher, watching the flames go out before Utah could catch Florida on fire.

He immediately got to his knees and wiped the foam-like substance off of Utah's face. "Are you okay?" He stood as Utah nodded and spoke once more. "You can't go after the others and try to pass fire on to them. How many times have I told you that?"
America stopped and looked over at us in sudden confusion before going pale as he saw Ukraine and Canada.

There was an awkward silence for a moment. Even Foam-Utah was quiet.

"Canada, Ukraine." Dad attempted a weak smile, but failed. "I-I can explain."