I should be concentrating on 'The German Boy' but I've got a somewhat bad case of writer's block on that story right now (I haven't even got to the end of chapter two! How shameful!.). So, what do I do with writer's block? I write something completely different! Yay! So, here's a new story with England and fem!America. Do review and tell me what you think. Thanks!

It was summer - the season that screams life and vitality. It is the season in which many live in anticipation of and wait the whole year for. The one in which many ignore the other seasons for. It was a season which evoked the highest feelings in many people.

Fifteen year-old Amelia Jones was no different. She loved summer and adored the sun that magically emerged with it. The yellow sun had powers it never revealed in other seasons. Amelia loved walking under the bright glow. It evoked happiness within her, even when she was feeling darker than a shadow.

Despite the happiness she felt, Amelia also had a reason to feel down during the summer. Her parents both ran a beach resort business which, naturally, was busiest during the summer. They were away from home the most at this time. While Amelia had grown somewhat used to her parents' absence, it still created a pang in her heart. Deep down, she had feelings of loneliness. Her school friends were all either away or on holiday during summer. She had only herself and the huge house she and her family lived in. It was a large country house with a thin layer of ivy coating the left side. This was where Amelia's room was. The outside of the window was lined with the green crawler. Amelia liked it – it gave her room character, especially when the orange-tinted evening sun danced with the shapes of the leaves. The inflated shadows on her carpet were always fun to look at.

When her parents were away on business, Amelia would be looked after by either her grandparents or another relative. They would allow her to do as she pleased and rarely spent any one-on-one time with her. So, even with a babysitter, Amelia was alone.

She had every reason to believe that this summer would be no different; playing in her room alone, walking in the countryside alone, riding the horses alone. She couldn't have guessed that this summer would introduce something into her life which would become so precious to her.

'Amelia, we're heading out tomorrow,' Mrs Jones said. She patted her daughter on her head.

''Kay, Mom,' Amelia replied with a smile. 'Who's gonna be watching me?'

'Oh, yes, we've hired a new babysitter for you, sweetie,' she said.

'Huh? You did?'

'Yes, he's looking for a summer job right now, so I thought it would be good for him. It's Arthur, you know, the son of the Kirkland family?'

Amelia thought. The Kirkland family name sounded familiar, but the name Arthur didn't. 'Who is he? What age is he?'

'He's eighteen, honey, and he's very responsible. He's such a polite boy, too. I think you've only seen him once at a dinner party when you were about six.' Mrs Jones proceeded to check her hair in the mirror. 'The Kirkland family have been business partners of our family for years. I wish you could have spent more time with Arthur. You would like him, and perhaps learn a few manners from him.'

'Mom!' Amelia squeaked. She hated it when her parents commented on her 'lack of manners'.

Her mother laughed. 'Well, anyway, I want you to be on your best behaviour while he's looking after you. He'll be staying over, and I will be back in a few days to check up on things.'

'Sure, Mom,' Amelia said with no real enthusiasm.

Amelia got dressed for bed and brushed her teeth. While studying her face in the mirror, white foam dripping from the corners of her mouth, Amelia thought about Arthur. She couldn't remember his face. Then again, it had been years since her mother claimed they last saw each other. He was an adult now, so probably looked completely different. It annoyed her slightly that her parents still couldn't trust her enough to leave her home alone, but when she thought about it further, she had seen the movies and was thankful in a sense.

The brushing of her teeth done, Amelia crawled into her bed. The mattress was new, and almost too high for her. It was comfortable, though, which is what counted. Snuggling under the blankets, Amelia felt a stab of nerves. She was going to be alone with a stranger. What if he wasn't nice? What if he was strict and never let her play outside? What if he hit her? Amelia gasped and hid under the covers as if the thoughts would be chased away. She swallowed roughly.

'He should be here any minute, I told him two o'clock,' Amelia's father said. He turned to his daughter. 'Now, Amelia, you behave for Arthur. He's a good boy who doesn't deserve any trouble. Your mother will be home in a few days to check up on you.'

Amelia nodded wordlessly. She played with the sleeve of her shirt. It was a nervous habit that she gained from very early years. The ends of all her sleeves were ever-so-slightly lighter in colour due to her habit.

Her father noticed. 'Hey, Amelia, don't be nervous. Arthur will be very nice, honestly. Besides, if there are any problems, all you need to do is pick up the phone.'

She nodded. 'Thanks, Dad.'

As he ruffled his daughter's hair playfully, the doorbell sounded.

'Dear, could you get that?' Mrs Jones's voice called from the kitchen.

Her father made his way to the door, and Amelia leaned back in the tall wooden chair in the hallway. She played with her sleeve more vigorously.

'Ah, Arthur, great to see you,' Mr Jones said happily. Amelia could almost hear the tough yet friendly handshake typical of her father.

'Yes, and you sir,' came the reply. Amelia was shocked to hear an English accent. She peeked over using only the corner of her eyes. She could only see her father's back.

'Please, come in.'

As her father guided the guest into the hall, Amelia snapped her eyes back to stare ahead. She swallowed a lump discretely and turned to face the two. Arthur was a young man not quite as tall as Amelia's father (he was six foot). He was skinny, but not runt-like, and had pale skin like hers. He had light, somewhat messy blonde hair and green eyes. The most prominent things about him, though, were the thick eyebrows he possessed. She stared at them with interest, before realising that he was looking directly at her. She made a noise of shock in the back of her throat before extending her hand to the man.

'Ah, h-hello. My name is Amelia,' she said as calmly as she could.

'Amelia. It's lovely to meet you. I'm Arthur,' he replied brightly, taking a gentle hold of her hand and shaking it.

'Arthur, I've told Amelia to be on her best behaviour, but she can be lively,' Mr Jones said.

'D-Dad…!' Amelia squeaked.

Arthur laughed heartily. 'That's Ok. It's better to be lively than sitting around all day.' He turned to Amelia. 'Don't you agree?'

Amelia felt her face heat up slightly out of embarrassment. 'Y-Yes. See, Dad? I told you it wasn't a bad thing.'

'Oh, Arthur, it is you,' Mrs Jones said. She walked in from the kitchen and planted a kiss on both the young man's cheeks. 'How are you?'

'I'm fine, Mrs Jones,' he replied. 'I trust you're doing well.'

'Never better. Ah, see Amelia, I told you he was polite.'

Amelia's skin flared again. She cleared her throat. 'Y-yes, Mom.'

'Well, I'm glad you made it here Ok. The spare room has been made up for you. Amelia will show you the way.' Her mother opened her handbag and brought out keys. 'Here you go. I made a spare set of house keys for you.'

'Ah, thank you, Mrs Jones,' Arthur said. It was only then did Amelia notice he was carrying a small suitcase. 'I promise I'll take good care of both Amelia and the house.'

Amelia's mother went over general housekeeping with Arthur and gave him a list of contact phone numbers to use in an emergency. She told him the times the cleaner and gardener were due. Amelia wasn't sure if Arthur was listening by the end of it. His face was focused, but there was no way anyone could have endured her mother's rambling.

When her parents finally left after a round of hugging and kissing their daughter, Amelia and Arthur were alone. Amelia played with the sleeve of her shirt again.

'Well, Amelia, could you show me to my room so I can rid myself of this case?' Arthur asked. His voice was so polite.

'Ah! Yes, Arthur,' she said. 'It's just up here.'

She guided him up the spiral staircase and led him down a long corridor. They walked in silence, for Amelia couldn't think of anything to say. She felt embarrassed, so she played with her sleeve.

'If I may say so, this house is magnificent,' Arthur said.

Amelia turned to him, happy he had spoken. 'I think so, too. Though, I have to admit, it's nearly too big. It's only me and my parents, so what do they need so much space for?'

Arthur chuckled. 'Perhaps they need it for their energetic daughter.'

Amelia scowled and turned away, her face flushed. When she realised what she had done, she squeaked in alarm. 'Oh! Ah…'

Arthur continued to chuckle. He didn't seem like a bad sort, Amelia thought. He seemed quite nice.

'Here we are,' Amelia said. She opened the door. 'This is your room.'

It was a fairly big, green-themed room. It had everything one needed – a chest of drawers, a wardrobe and a dressing table. All the furniture was in dark wood, mixing nicely with the green wallpaper and green bed covers. There was an en suite bathroom, as well.

'This is too much,' Arthur said, evidently dazed. 'It's like a five star hotel.'

Amelia could only laugh at his reaction. 'I'm happy you like it. Do you need help unpacking?'

'Oh, I haven't much with me,' he assured her. 'I'll only be a minute while I hang my shirts and things up. Say, once I finish, why don't we do something together?'

'Eh?' Amelia was confused. This guy was actually suggesting spending time with her. None of her normal babysitters would spend time with her unless she asked them specifically. 'L-like what?'

'Well, whatever you want,' Arthur said as he hung up his shirts in the wardrobe. The door made a high-pitched squeal as it was opened – not having been used in a while. 'We could play video games or a sport you like. We could even prepare dinner if you wish. Are you hungry?'

'Ah, no I'm not hungry at the moment,' she said sheepishly. Amelia wasn't entirely sure what she wanted to do. Given the options, she had lots she wanted to do, but it was so unexpected that Arthur was offering his company. 'We could, um…' she paused in thought, and then an idea hit her. 'Well, why don't we just… talk and stuff?'

'Hhm?' Arthur peered at her from behind the wardrobe door. His think eyebrows raised in question. 'Just talk?'

'Ah, yeah…! I mean, I would love to get to know you, since we're going to be spending more time together,' she said. Amelia tugged at her shirt sleeve. 'Well, that is, if you're cool with it.'

'Ah ha! Of course!' Arthur assured her, closing the door and putting his suitcase to the corner of the room. 'I would love to get to know you too, Amelia.'

The young girl couldn't help but beam. They made their way to the front living room, where they sat and struck up a simple conversation, rapidly leading to many more. Amelia learned that Arthur had attended a private school in England, his homeland, for many years before returning here. He admitted he wasn't very good at cooking despite the fact both of his parents were avid cooks. He also loved embroidery, a fact which Amelia found both fascinating and amusing. Amelia told him more about herself. She also attended a private school a few miles down the road, and because she lived so close to it, she got to come home at the end of the day unlike the many pupils who had to board. She was thankful she didn't have to. Arthur deducted rather quickly from what Amelia told him that she was a tomboy, to which Amelia agreed.

Amelia grew to like Arthur very much. He was polite, but had a fun side to him.

'My, we've been talking for hours,' Arthur noted. 'You must be getting hungry by now.'

'Yeah,' Amelia agreed. 'I am… But didn't you say you can't cook.'

Arthur blushed. 'Well, yes. But that's why I want you to help me.'

Amelia sniggered. 'I can't cook either, dude.'

'Then we're buggered,' Arthur said plainly, folding his arms in thought. 'I don't want to poison you.'

'That wouldn't be good on your first day of the job,' laughed Amelia. She got up and headed for the kitchen, Arthur in pursuit. She opened the freezer. 'Ah! How about these?'

Amelia picked out two boxes of ready-made lasagne. 'Simple and quick to make. Just throw it in the microwave.'

'Brilliant!' Arthur exclaimed. 'Even we can't screw that up.'

They laughed as Amelia placed the first meal in the microwave, being sure to read the instructions carefully. As they waited, Arthur set the table. Amelia began to play with her sleeve. She felt a lot better around Arthur after having to get to know him, but nerves still fluttered around inside her. She believed it to be the nerves of cooking.

Both lasagnes were cooked successfully, and Amelia placed them on plates to serve. Arthur and Amelia sat down opposite each other at the table to eat. With the first bite, Arthur said enthusiastically, 'This is delicious! Well done, Amelia!'

The young girl laughed. She agreed it tasted good. 'Yeah! You know, my parents have always told me I have no taste in food. I like simple, microwave dinners.'

'Really? My parents tell me the exact same thing. Why cook a big, fancy meal when you can make something delicious with just a microwave?'

Amelia's heart stammered. She smiled uncontrollably at the Englishman. 'I'm so happy someone agrees with me on that. Nobody ever has.'

'It's the same with me,' Arthur said, taking another bite. He winked at her with the fork still in his mouth. He took it out and swallowed the food. 'Oh Amelia, may I say, you seem to play with your sleeves a lot. You don't feel nervous, by any chance, do you?'

Amelia jolted in her seat. She looked to the food, stabbing it with her fork. 'Well, yeah… Um, I've done it for a long time. I guess it is sort of a habit.'

'A nervous habit, if you don't mind me asking?'

Amelia nodded and took a bite of her food.

Arthur chuckled. 'Well, I hope I'm not making you too nervous. Tell me if I am, won't you. I'd hate to think you felt uneasy around me.'

'It's not that! Honestly! It's just something I do. You know, I wasn't sure what you'd be like or anything. I was nervous you'd be mean and scary. But you're not, you're really nice!' Amelia blushed.

'Thank you,' he said gently. 'I hope we can become friends.'

'Me, too,' agreed Amelia. 'I'm sure we'll become good friends!'

What do you think? I would love to read reviews of your opinions! I'm not sure when the next chapter will be up, but I'll do my best! I like making fem!Nations. Yet, I love yaoi… Strange…