The Yukon shifted nervously. He was beginning to regret arriving early. His companion was a strange, silent man. He wondered what the other three people in the house saw in Russia.
"I'm not just some Northern state," Alaska was shouting. "I'm the Final Frontier."
"Space, the Final Frontier." America recited.
"Don't start that again!"
America laughed.
"These are the voyages…" Arkansas said dreamily.
"Of the Starship Enterprise, yeah, I know."
"There, the thing is on." Arkansas said.
"Why do I have to wear a corset?" America asked.
"You're a proper lady now, America." Alaska told her.
"Not just some tomboy." Arkansas finished.
"Come on, let's get ourselves dressed." Alaska said.
The two states left America to get her gown on. The two passed through the room where the two men were waiting.
"Too bad this is an old-fashioned dance," Arkansas commented once they were out of sight.
Alaska started singing. Arkansas laughed then all was silent until the two returned. Both were wearing black, but Alaska had on a white shawl and Arkansas had an orange one, just like it. Alaska walked over to the Yukon and Arkansas went to see what was taking America so long.
"America, you have to go. You're the guest of honor. What's wrong? Let me see. Oh my. TATIANA!"
"Coming!"
Just as Alaska hurried out, there was crying from a nearby room. The Yukon stared as his companion came to life and ran into that room. "Junior, hush."
Alaska returned. "Where did Father go?"
"Hush. It is okay, little one."
"Father! Mom needs you."
Russia came out of the room, holding a little child. He gave the kid to Alaska.
"America, please stop crying!" Arkansas was saying.
The child opened his blue-violet eyes, seeing Alaska, and started to bawl.
Arkansas hurried out of America's room, and seeing them, shouted "She needs you, go!"
The Yukon watched as he, again, became the only male presence in the room as Alaska handed the baby to Arkansas and grabbed the phone. "Aunt Katyusha? Help! Help! Backup!"
"America, please calm down."
"Ivan…"
"Amelia, I am here, calm down. We have to go to this event."
America only cried more. There was a knock on the door and Belarus and the Ukraine entered. Belarus took the still screaming child, who calmed down. Ukraine hurried down the hall. "Vanya?"
"In here, sister."
"America, calm down. Amelia, come on. Don't you know the strings your boss had to pull for this?"
Ukraine calmed America down. "You're the best sister in the world," America told her.
"Don't let Belarus or Mexico hear you say that." Ukraine replied.
Russia was sent back to the living room as Ukraine helped America finish getting ready.
The baby was returned to his crib. America and Ukraine joined the crowd in the living room. The seven filed out the door. Belarus and Arkansas first, followed by Alaska and the Yukon. Next came the Ukraine and lastly, America and her husband. North Italy showed up as they left. "Thanks for taking care of Junior," America called to him.
This is one of the sequels to the One of Those Stories universe. Junior here is about one year old.
Belarus and her nephew get along so that is why she showed up. Ukraine and America are close as well.
I'm too lazy to finish my authors note.