New Jersey was sulking in the living room, waiting for America to come lecture him about helping New Mexico and Arizona drag the pots and pans from the kitchen and bang them together. New Jersey knew he shouldn't have done it. For one, he was suppose to be the role model. For two, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Virginia were going to kill him for damaging the pots and pans.
"Do something productive with your time besides sulking." Delaware said as he came out of the bathroom looking rather pale. "You could start by getting out whatever gunk you have in your hair."
"I see you discovered the leftover Rocky Mountain Oysters." New Jersey snickered as he ran a hand through his auburn hair. He pulled his hand away to find it sticky with a mixture of neon pink paint, melted sugar, and glue. "Ew. This is going to be a bitch to get out."
"Well, you probably have about thirty seconds to get it out before Mr. Germany and Mr. Italy come out here with Father." his older brother informed him as he got up. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go tell Tennessee and Alabama to change songs or Pennsylvania's going to commit murder."
"Might as well check on Ohio and Michigan while you're up there. It's been half an hour since their last fight. Ohio might've shot Michigan again."
Delaware waved lazily as an indication that he'd peek into their rooms to make sure that Michigan was not, in fact, laying on the floor bleeding to death from a gunshot wound as he started upstairs. Just as he was disappearing from sight, America entered the living room from the kitchen, followed by Germany and Italy. He crossed his arms and beckoned New Jersey over. The Garden State cringed, knowing that when America was done introducing their guests to everyone, he'd be called into his father's office. America was a pretty laid back parent, but when New Jersey or one of his siblings broke the rules, they had to face the consequences of their actions, and America wasn't afraid to punish them. New Jersey walked over to the nations with his olive green eyes locked on the carpeting.
"Introduce yourself." his father ordered.
New Jersey looked up at their two guests. "I'm Serafino, but you can call me Sam. I'm the State of New Jersey, the third state to join the Union."
"You seem nice." Italy commented. "Why did Pennsylvania wish us luck and tell us that we were going to need it."
America cleared his throat. "Because New Jersey can be a trouble maker. Earlier, he was on the roof with my two youngest sons, New Mexico and Arizona, banging pots and pans. Speaking of," he turned to New Jersey, "my office, one hour. You know what you did."
"But Dad-"
"No 'buts.' Don't worry, you're not going to be the only one to catch hell." America said somewhat dismissively. New Jersey knew better than to keep arguing. America might be a laid back parent, but his word was final. When he said something was over, it was over. There were no ifs, ands, or buts about it and he didn't repeat himself.
"Yes Dad." New Jersey muttered. "I understand. By the way, Colorado and Wyoming are looking for you."
America turned to Germany and Italy. "I'll be right back."
He headed upstairs to find the two western states, leaving New Jersey alone with the two nations. "So, you met Penny and Delaware, right?"
"Yes." Germany said politely. "Pennsylvania is quite the cook."
"Well, she loves to cook." New Jersey said, "That's the only reason I put up with her. She can be a pain in the ass, especially when she's bossing me."
"Fratello bosses me all the time, but I don't have a problem with him." Italy said.
"Well, he's not your sorella. Besides, you didn't grow up with him." the state pointed out. "I've had to put up with Pennsylvania since the day I was born. Even though she's only six days older than me, she always hold the fact that she's older than me over my head and uses it as an excuse to boss me. Like I said, pain in the ass."
"I heard that!" Pennsylvania called from the kitchen. "And maybe if you'd clean and stop causing chaos, I'd leave you alone. But no, you never listen."
America came back downstairs and glared at New Jersey, a warning not to retaliate. "Come on, dudes. We gotta get going if you're going to meet all my states before next week."
Sorry I haven't updated for a week. I had to weigh in my fair animals last Saturday, and then I left for Colorado last Sunday. I just got back yesterday and I didn't have my laptop with me. But now I am ready to write the Colorado chapter after learning about the people and culture of Colorado.
New Jersey:
Human Name: Serafino Edward Jones (Nickname is Sam)
Official Name: The State of New Jersey
State Nickname: The Garden State
Eye Color: Olive Green
Hair Color: Auburn
Human Age: 17
Birthday: December 18, 1787 (3rd)