AMERICA AND HIS THIRTEEN LITTLE ONES:

AN UNWANTED ATTRACTION

SETTING: WASHINGTON D.C, 1803
SUMMERY: A MYSTERIOUS LETTER FROM RUSSIA ARRIVES AT THE WHITE HOUSE AFTER THE HIGH OF THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE WITH A STRANGE REQUEST, CAUSING JEFFERSON TO MAKE A FATEFUL DECISION. CHARACTERS WILL BE REFERRED BY COUNTRY AND STATE NAMES IN PUBLIC, AND HUMAN NAMES IN PRIVATE.

Thomas Jefferson was a man of great mental capacity, who was never easy confused or abashed by much. There is a first for everything though. In the early days of December Mr. Jefferson received a letter, a very short very simple letter. It was enough to cause the president to scratch the top of his reddish head, enough to cause his eyes to scan the unbelievably elegant penmanship a dozen times over before the information he received finally set in. He shook his head in disbelieve and, much to his chagrin muttered "Incredible", the world he had heard his former friend John Adams used so many times. Placing the letter gently down on his desk, the aging Mr. Jefferson leaned back into his chair and pressed his fingers together around his thin lips, silently wondering how he would respond to such a request. The first thought that popped into his head was to seek the advice of the tall blonde he knew was lurking around outside his door. The young country's tall black boots were clearly pacing on the other side of the door.

"America, I know you are standing out there. Please come in." It was hard for him not to laugh with delight at the sound of his country skidding to a stop outside, letting out a yelp as he tumbled hard on to the wooden floor. Jefferson's heart glowed with warmth when he saw America slightly stumble into his office, blushing red with humiliation. Though he knew America was a capable and intelligent young fellow, Jefferson found himself constantly having to guide him down the correct path, keep him out of trouble. In many ways controlling America's life was reminiscent of his days as a young father. His late wife, his dear Martha would have loved him-he was a hit with his children.

"Yes Mr. President?" America asked as he cached his breathe, standing up straight and erect as he held his hands behind his back. Jefferson fought the urge to laugh at the sight, so grown up yet so young at the same time in his soldiers uniform. He took his hands away from his face and stood up, gently picking up the paper. He handed it to America and said to him, "Read it out loud please." The young country looked at his third president with a strange, confused expression. He silently began to wonder whether or not the brilliant Jefferson was finally beginning to loose his sharp mind. Yet who was he to contradict or deny his president's simple request, no matter how strange it seemed. So America looked down at the ruff piece of paper in his hand, only to be stunned by the elegant penmanship. For a moment all he could was stare in awe at the all to elegant loops and curves, wondering what creature was capable of writing so gracefully. If he could have, he would have just stared at the gentle writing and waste beautiful day light copying the perfect penmanship.

"America..." Jefferson said slowly, bringing the young country back into reality. He blinked his blue eyes, shook his head and ran his fingers through his blonde hair. "I'm sorry sir. The penmanship was just so..." America began to explain, letting his voice trail off before he had chance to finish his sentence His cheeks blushed a horrid bright red as he held the paper up to his face, hoping Jefferson had not noticed his embarrassed expression. He cleared his throat, and began to read the short letter out loud.

"Dear Mr. President,
I want to congratulate you on the purchase of the Louisiana territory-what a victory that must have been. On behave of his Imperial majesty Tsar Alexander I, I would like to invite America and one of your states to St. Petersberg for a month, with a ball at the end of your visit-we were already planning to have one at some point anyway. It is requested though that you bring one of the original thirteen colonies. It should also be noted that declining this innovation is not an option.
Sincerely,
The Russian Empire"

America almost dropped the letter from shock, his eyes wider than the shinning sun. Russia, home of one of the most burtal and repressive monarchies the world or at least Europe knew wanted him, the land of the free to travle all the way to St. Petersberg with one of the original thirteen colonies. Not only that they would be showered with a ball at the end of their visit. Did that large, terrifying country know nothing about America, know nothing about the original thirteen colonies? Did Russia not know that they would simply not fit into the world of glittering gowns and champagne never mind the fact none of them spoke French nor Russian. He tried his best to hide his shock, hide the fear of being thrown into a world so unfamiliar, so alien like. He could not even say no to the insane request. He silently found himself wondering whether or not those European countries found it entertaining to spring surprises on him, to watch him squirm.

"This is...insane." America muttered as he continued to stare at the signature at the end. Jefferson nodded and quietly went back to his chair, beginning to put his brilliant mind to use. As he began to speak, a plan began to form in his head. "Well America, I believe you and one of the thirteen are going to St. Petersberg, the question is which one is going." America looked up from the letter and stared at Jefferson for a moment, attempting to let reality sink in as he slowly sat down in a chair opposite of him. With a silent nod, America to began to use his own, less than brilliant brain. "We should narrow it down to the girls, since I do not think it would be wise if I escorted a man to a ball." The young country stated, internally stuttering at the thought of walking around a gleaming ball room with Massachusetts or even Virginia on his arm. Jefferson gave a thoughtful nodd and let out a sigh as he whispered, "Well, at least that narrows it down to four."

A small smile twisted on America's pale face as he leaned closer to his president, quickly realizing the list could be narrowed down even more. "Actually sir, we can narrow it down to two. Georgia is still a little to young and... well...if I brought Rhode Island with me we would be sent back with in a week and I would not be surprised if Russia declared all out war on me." Jefferson could not help but to smile at the thought, once again nodding in agreement. His small, carefree smile faded away as he all to quickly realized their simple choice was no longer simple. The president leaned back into his small wooden chair as he looked straight into America's bright, child like eyes. "Yes you have a point, but that means we are left we a very hard decision " Jefferson began, watching as America's happy expression faded into one of confusion. The president let another sigh, fighting the urge to shake his head at America's blissful ignorance. "It means we have to choose between Maryland and Connecticut."

America's heart dropped into his stomach at those words, as he face of confusion melted into a blank canvas His body slumped back into the chair, dreading the prospect of putting two lovely angels under such a microscope. There was no choice though, and as he forced himself to sit up straight America silently cursed Russia a thousand times over. "What do you believe sir?" He asked, wanting his master's approval before he put his input in. Jefferson staid quiet for only a short moment, as if he already knew which of the two drastically different states would be best to escort to St. Petersberg. "I believe Maryland would be best choice. Connecticut has a sharp, and brilliant mind with out a doubt and is an extremely fascinating and exotic creature. However Maryland is in my opinion the fairer if the not the fairest of the four females. She is extremely well mannered and refined she would blend in perfectly with the elite of St. Petersberg. Connecticut is simply too... ruff around the edges."

America gave a stiff nod, for Jefferson was absolutely correct. Maryland was the epitome of a perfect lady. Every movement she made was graceful, and she certainly the most refined of the four females. Her soft, striking beauty and gentle nature would greatly impress the elite upper class of St. Petersberg, impress the Tsar and Russia himself. Connecticut while exotic with her contrasting features and a mind that could surely impress anyone. However Jefferson was correct in claiming she was less refined and gentle than Maryland. He knew they could not afford the risk of her loosing her horrid temper in such a place. It seemed as if the choice was already made, and America opened his mouth to agree with Jefferson. Just as he was about to speak, something inside of him pulled him back. The young country looked down at the simple wooden desk in front off him as he thought about what such a journey would mean for someone such as Maryland. His eyes widen in horror at the prospect.
"You don't agree with me?" Jefferson questioned, eyeing America's worried expression curiously. America bit his lip and thought carefully for moment before deciding how to contraditic his president "Sir, Maryland is the obvious choice without a doubt. Everything you have said is correct. However as you know Maryland is a very fragile creature, and unaccustomed to cold weather. I believe while she would be a delight for the elite of St. Petersberg and the Tsar, she would not be able to handle the Russian Winter at all." America paused as he watched Jefferson eye him, swallowing hard before he finished his thought. "Therefore, I do believe Connecticut would be the best option. She is just as beautiful as Maryland, exotic looking as you said. Her intelligence and whit could easily make a lasting impression. On top of that, she is perfectly used to cold weather and is physically resilient. I know you are worried about her stubbornness and temper, but I assure you she will be able to control herself."

Jefferson stared at America for a long moment, silently assessing the claim his country made. The reality became clear all to quickly, as he realized with in a moment of America's claim that the country was right. The middle aged man never thought he would see the day where America actually made a valid point, a valid point that proved Jefferson's original assessment completely wrong. The president was left speechless and wide eyes as he mentally pictured Connecticut throw in St. Petersberg, into the height of class and society. He could see her easily winning over the Tsar with her charm and indescribable wisdom and strength, see her elegantly gliding through the well shined dance floor with the best of the elite. There was still a part of him that was agents sending a New England colony to a delicate social atmosphere as St. Petersberg. What would happen if someone made a comment that caused her blood to boil? Jefferson clearly remembered her habit of flinging a book the head of those who angered her. However though he would never admit it out loud America was correct.

Jefferson let out one last sigh and closed his eyes, nodding his head in agreement. "It's decided, you will get Connecticut and get her prepared for the journey to Petersberg. I will take care of the reply." The calm president stated, reaching into his desk to take out a blank sheet of paper. America's eyes widen in shock as his heart began to beat at a thousand miles a minuet He could feel his body begin to tingle with excitement. Jefferson had agreed with him! America had been right, for what seemed the first and the last time in his existence The very notion made him want to jump up and scream in delight, followed by a fancy jig on top of Jefferson's desk. In fact, America came very close to jumping on America's desk at the very least when he lep out of his chair. "Really? I'm actually right? Oh wow!" The young country exclaimed, his voice seeming to carry through growing Washington D.C. Jefferson could not contain himself, letting out a soft chuckle as he dipped his fine feather pen in a container of ink. America blushed a bright tomato red, holding his hands behind his back once more as he began to gently sway. He looked down at his feet as he cleared his throat, regaining what ever amount of composure he had. "I'll take care of it right away sir." America promised, turning ever so gracefully on his heels as he exited the Presidential office.
Jefferson continued to watch America as he left his simple office, wondering whether or not he should be more concerned about him than Connecticut. He very quickly dediced it was best not to think about what could possibly happen, and write his reply before he decided to find away out of this strange request.

Dear your Imperial Majesty,
It is with great pleasure that I and the United States of America humbly accept your offer. How very generous of you to offer him and one of the orignal 13 colonies to stay with you for a month! You will be happy to know we will be sending America with Connecticut, a small state in New England. She will surely make a lasting impression on both you and thoes in your circle.
Sincerly,
T. Jefferson