"Just because you're the oldest doesn't mean anything." Massachusetts frowned, balancing her chair on the back two legs. "You don't get to make the decisions. America does."
"You're no fun! I just said I'd be second in command!" Delaware frowned. If only his sister would understand.
"No! We're all equal. It's not fair if-" The door creaked open.
"Sorry I'm late. I had a meeting." America yawned. "I'm tired."
"A meeting? On your birthday?" Rhode Island ran up to hug him. "That's not fair."
"No one knew it was my birthday. It wasn't their fault." He lifted her on his shoulders.
"Shall we get started?" New Jersey asked from across the room.
"Right. Sorry." America set her down in the nearest chair. Looking around at everyone, he saw the worry on their faces. "What? What is it?"
All eyes turned on New Hampshire. She pushed her short black hair back behind her ears. "I made a new friend. His name is Vermont."
"Vermont?" America walked over to her. "Where is this Vermont?"
"Hold on. I'll get him." She stood up and quickly walked outside, blushing. America looked puzzled.
Maryland sighed. "She wants you to make him a state." America nodded and started talking about trade. Everyone listened and cared. Poor New Hampshire would have to catch up. No one looked up when she walked back in, followed by a boy.
"Um…Mr. America? T-this is Vermont, the one I was talking about." She gestured to the boy standing next to her. He had the same black hair and blue eyes as her, but he was a little bit younger.
America smiled tiredly. "Hello, Vermont. Would you like to stay for our meeting?" He nodded. America picked up where he left off. New Hampshire led him over to the table, where there were always extra chairs. He sat down and listened. Occasionally, he contributed a fact that no one else knew. After the meeting America pulled New Hampshire aside. "Why did you want to tell me bout Vermont?"
"Well," she started in a nervously squeaky voice. "I just was wondering if you think he would be a good…uh…state, maybe." Poor New Hampshire was shaking, blushing, and staring at the ground.
America smiled. "A state? Of course he'd be a good state. Would you like-"
"Yes! Yes, of course! Thank you! I'll tell him!" She squeezed him so tight that it hurt.
"Uh, you're welcome." He patted her head. She scurried off.
"Vermont! Vermont! Guess what! Mr. America said you could be a state! A real state!"