Matthew had hoped that giving Alberta something to drink would have distracted him from his purpose for being there. Unfortunately, they passed Virginia on their way out of the kitchen, who was still happily stamping away, oblivious to the chaos around her.
In the living room, there was a yell, a bump, and glass shattering. Matthew hurried out to see what happened, and found New York and New Jersey's squabble had turned into an out and out war, with Alfred stuck in the middle trying to keep them separated.
In the two seconds he had looked away, Alberta descended on his next target, taking the invitation Virginia was holding out her hands, looking at it.
"British Columbia? Why the hell do you have to invite her? You know she's just going to try and get everyone stoned so they'll agree to go out and hug trees with her! Hell, when she responds she's going to call to yell at you for killing a tree for her invitation!" Virginia scowled and stood up, snatching the invitation back from him.
"Well, funny that. We've already had most of the provinces call askin' not to invite you to the occasion. I see clear as day now why they didn't want you around."
There was another crash in the living room. Matthew clenched the sides of his head. This was getting out of control.
"STOP IT RIGHT NOW! You're scaring Alaska with all the noise you're making down here!"
There was silence as all eyes turned to where Indiana was on the stairs, holding Alaska, who was crying and calling for Alfred. Alfred hurried over and took Alaska from her, rubbing his back lightly as he kissed his forehead. Any other time, Matthew would have thought it was cute. Alright. He found it cute this time, but it was regrettable that he had to do it.
Looking a bit sheepish, New York and New Jersey went over to Alfred, mumbling their apologies. New Jersey gave him a quick, embarrassed kiss on the cheek while New York picked up their bags, and the two made a hasty exit.
Virginia sighed as she sat back down at the table.
"Y'all see what you did? Poor Alaska's already up past his bedtime. Now y'all sit down here and help me finish putting the stamps on these, or I'll make sure that British Columbia AND Saskatchewan are at your table for the reception. How's that now, dear?"
Alberta looked ready to protest loudly, again, but sharp looks from Matthew, Alfred, Virginia, and Indiana left it to die in his mouth. He settled for mumbling about "stupid states," "stupid weddings," and "why didn't he get picked to be an usher, he was the most important province" as he picked up a stack of invitations and took a sheet of stamps from a smirking Virginia.
Matthew watched Alfred move the table back in place with his foot before he walked over and started picking up the broken glass.
"Sorry. I'll buy you a new one, Mattie." He looked up at Alfred, who was smiling sheepishly at him. He wasn't mad to start with, and if he had been, he couldn't have stayed that way.
"It's fine. It was just one of those cheap vases. I can get another one anywhere."
It warmed Matthew when Alfred gave him that special smile that was reserved for him alone. The moment was ruined when the door once again flew open. Didn't anyone know what knocking was anymore?
"Well, howdy! Hope you haven't been having too much fun without us." Texas blinked as he looked around at all the serious faces in the room.
Behind him, Arizona shot his toy gun in Matthew's direction, making the "bang, bang" noises, and Oklahoma just pinched the bridge of her nose, mumbling something about him not being able to read the atmosphere and getting it from Alfred.
"Did we miss something?"
