Eight Mortal Secrets [Hetalia Drabbles] (Completed, to be Edited)

Mini Drabble XXXVI: Escape frome Home

It was relatively quiet at France's house. The blonde country reclined on his chair, flicking through the news as Annalise sat on the couch, working silently on her homework. Japan was at her side, watching her work with a curious eye. There was not a sound to be heard except the news-anchor on the television.

Until a knock rapped the door.

Japan was the first up, shuffling to the door and opening it. He was excepting Britain or Belgium, who were the most frequent of the visitors, or even Spain and Prussia, who sometimes liked to plan surprise visits to see their old companion. But it wasn't any of them.

It was Shelby.

She gave a strained smile. "Hey, Japan." She greeted in a scratchy voice.

"Shelby." He bowed his head slightly in greeting. "How are you?"

"I've been better." She admitted in a quiet voice. By now, the other occupants of the house were standing up, craning their neck to see who was at the door.

"Shelby?" Annalise called out in surprise, while France made his way over to the door.

"Shelby, it has been a while." France stated, taking her hand and placing his second one on top of it, squeezing slightly. The two of them hadn't really talked since Shelby had let it slip that she wasn't the state of Michigan, but a teenage mortal. America had settled everything between the two, but there hadn't been much conversation after that. "What brings you here, mon amie?"

"Hi Francis." Again, a thin smile stretched her lips. "I was..." She trailed off rather quickly, shifting her weight awkwardly, "I was wondering if I could stay here for a little? Things are kinda rough back home, and I haven't really heard from Poland since... Well, for a bit, and I can't go back to my house."

"Of course, step in, please." Francis rushed, allowing Shelby to come in, leading her to the love seat in his living room. "But, may I ask, Shelby, what exactly is wrong?"

Annalise frowned. "You and Alfred didn't pull a Hope and Canada, did you?"

Shelby shook her head, but noticeably didn't laugh at the small jab at the ex-couple. "No, we're still together. But... Well, Alfred is acting very different right now. The United States is completely split politics-wise, and with the election 3 days away... Let's just say, when he's not writhing from a migraine, it's like he's got a split personality disorder."

"Poor Alfred." Annalise sighed, grimacing at the thought of the American election on Tuesday.

"Yeah, and home isn't any better. My sister's boyfriend broke up with her, and all she's doing is crying... I can't watch it anymore." Shelby sighed, grabbing her knees and bringing them up to her chest.

"That sounds awful." Japan concurred.

"Oui, no wonder you wish to stay here." France frowned. "Is there anything we can do?" His question was met by a solemn shake of the head.

Annalise pursed her lips. "How about we watch Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban?"

Shelby glanced up at those words, and a smile twitched slightly on her lips. "Yes please."