I was so excited for the ball that I spent the whole day getting ready. I painted my nails to match my dress, and styled my hair into a curly updo, completed with a small tiara shaped comb in front. I spent hours making sure everything was perfect. Dangling earrings, a choker necklace, and a light coating of eye shadow, blush, and lipstick completed the look. My strapless dress a deep sapphire blue that complimented my light blue eyes. Looking in the mirror, I felt proud of my look.

There was a knock at the door as I was reaching for my white shawl. My escort to the ball must be here. France and England had a coin toss to decide who got to bring me to the ball, so I wasn't sure who it was.

"Come in," I said, draping the shawl over my arms. The door opened and England came in. I guess he won the coin toss. Taking in my outfit he smiled and bowed.

"You look absolutely ravishing, North. A beauty such as yours should be enjoyed by all," he told me. Complimenting me, yet also saying that we should get going. He was dressed finely in a black and white classic tuxedo. I gave him a half smile as he extended his arm for me to take. I took his arm and we went to the ball.

France was waiting when we arrived, he was dressed very nicely with a black and dark blue tux. His tie was already gone and the first couple of buttons on his shirt undone, exposing part of his chest. England was less than thrilled with France's ensemble. Great, I thought, the fighting is going to start early. Sighing, I took a seat with France and England on either side of me.

"I say Frog, couldn't you dress appropriately at least once in your life! There is a lady present and she doesn't care for that kind of indecency!" England shouted at France.

"HA! You know nothing of women. Our lady prefers this kind of outfit, perhaps if you dressed like me she wouldn't spend so much more time at my house instead of yours!" France yelled back. They continued fighting like that for the next half hour. Fighting over who I liked more, and which of them I should dance with first. I really disliked being with them. Why couldn't I just leave them!

I spotted Germany across the room, and silently pleaded for him to come rescue me from the two bickering fools. He must have read the desire for escape in my eyes, because he came over. Looking at France and England fighting so intensely that they didn't even notice him, he bowed to me.

"It is a pleasure to see you again, fräulein. May I ask you for this dance?" He said taking my hand and gently kissing it. He really was a gentleman.

"You may," I replied standing and smiling. Finally I was going to have some fun! We walked out onto the dance floor as a waltz came on. Taking one of my hands in his, and placing his other on my waist as I placed my free hand on his shoulder, we began to dance. He was a very good dancer.

"Thank you for rescuing me from those two idiots," I said smiling. He smiled back.

"It was my pleasure, fräulein. However, if I may ask, why do you continue your relationship with them if you dislike them?" He asked. I sighed. I knew someone would ask eventually.

"To be perfectly honest, I'm afraid of being alone. I don't really get along with my family, and since I don't really have friends I would be completely alone in my house if I left them. I can't stand the loneliness," I told him. Every word was true. My family cut off most of their contact with me when I started seeing France and England. They didn't approve of my "fling with land". Now I only saw them once year for the family gathering/meeting.

"Then why not just break up with one of them? Wouldn't things be easier that way?" Germany asked. I gave a bitter laugh at that.

"And which one do I choose to stay with? The controlling, bore England or the cheating, womanizing France?" I asked in return. He frowned at me.

"I guess that is a problem," he replied. The song ended and we continued to dance as the next one started. We were quiet for half of the song. Germany looked thoughtful as we twirled about the dance floor. I glanced over at where I left France and England. They both were sitting down and drinking, though since England wasn't having a meltdown I guessed his drink was nonalcoholic. Germany sighed, and I returned my attention to him.

"Well, if the only thing keeping you in your relationships is fear of being alone, perhaps I can help. Summer starts soon, and Italy will be spending the summer at my house. Why don't you join us until the summer is over?" He asked. I couldn't believe my ears. Germany was offering me a way out. At Germany's house I could meet other countries, make new friends. I wouldn't have to choose between being alone and being miserable! I could almost cry from the joy I felt.

"I would like that very much," I said, trying to contain my overwhelming happiness. He nodded at me.

"Very well. Italy and I are leaving after the ball tonight. If you wish you can come with us tonight, of course you would have to tell your "dates", but I'm sure Italy will enjoy your company," Germany said looking at my two soon-to-be-ex-boyfriends. They were glaring at us. The song came to end and I left Germany in order to end my current romances, promising to meet up with him and Italy in a few hours.

As I approached them, England and France stood. They both started to babble about how they were sorry for arguing and ignoring me. I held up my hand and silenced them both.

"France you're a louse. You constantly try to get others into your bed and frankly you're so much of a douche that I can't stand being around you. England, you are boring, commanding, controlling and just all around an annoying twit. I'm breaking up with both of you. I've been miserable for centuries and I am done," I told them. They both looked at me stunned. I didn't wait for them to respond. I left the ball and packed up all of my things, changing into a t-shirt and jeans. I took my hair down and packed away my jewelry. Once everything was ready, I left with my bags. It was time to meet up with Germany and Italy. My new life awaited.