I Can Manage: Part 2

Chapter Thirty

America's POV

I can proudly say that I know my kids better than I know myself. After over 250 years of living with them, I can confidently say that I know every one of their little quirks. Being quiet isn't one of them. They are the loudest, most obnoxious group of people you will ever meet, guaranteed.

So, when I return home and the house is completely silent, my Dad senses start going off. Granted, it's almost Midnight, but the oldest ones are usually still awake causing a ruckus.

I hurried through the front door, which was unlocked, and called out "I'm home." It didn't take more than a few seconds for Georgia to come rushing around the corner. Relief was written on her face as she came over and gave me a hug. "Thank god you're home! We've been calling for hours!" Georgia's voice was lilted with worry. She pulled away. "What happened, what's wrong?" I asked. "We don't know. New York has kept himself shut-up in his room all day. A few minutes after you left, he came down stairs and just collapsed in the kitchen. Me, Vermont and NJ have been taking care of him, everyone else went to bed." I smiled at her. "Thank you, I'm proud of you three. Is New York in his room?" I ask. "No, we have him on the couch in the main living room. We couldn't... get him up the stairs." Georgia said sheepishly.

I swooped into the living room finding a wretched sight. New York was sprawled across the couch, sweating buckets. I kneeled down next to my son, feeling his forehead. "Yorkie, son, are you awake." New York opened his bleary blue eyes. "Dad? Where have you been? The planes... towers... they're dying, we have to help them." New York started trying to sit up in a blind panic. The other three rushed to keep New York lying down. "Shh, your safe, your safe. There's no planes, everyone's okay. It's just a nightmare, just a nightmare." Vermont said softly, while Georgia fussed about in the kitchen, probably preparing some kind of wives tale remedy. New Jersey, who was sitting in front of the couch, reached over and gently slipped her hand into her brother's. He squeezed back and quieted. Vermont sighed, "You act like you hate him half the time, but I knew you really cared." New Jersey glared at Vermont, "I do hate him... But, who's going to fight and argue with me if it's not him. Who's going to let me take my anger out on them... and... deep down I know he would be doing the same for me right now. I love him, even though he's the biggest asshole of a brother ever." NJ said begrudgingly. I smiled at my kids, they're wonderful in their own weird way. "You guys have been so brave, I'm sorry I wasn't here. I think I can handle care of New York from here, you three should go to bed." Protests rang from all three. "Nope, no buts. I don't need more sick states on my hands. We have had quite an adventure with health lately, you three need sleep." Georgia and Vermont left, leaving only New Jersey. America put a hand on her shoulder. "Go. He'll be up and arguing again by the time you wake up." Reluctantly, NJ pulled herself off the floor. She gave her father a quick hug before heading to her room.

America settled down on the floor next to the couch. He sighed, both in worry and the knowledge of the long night that lay ahead of him. Suddenly, that night got a lot longer when the front door opened loudly and an Irish accent rang throughout the house.

America groaned.

Shit.

A Few Hours Ago

Russia wasn't drunk. Well, maybe he was a little tipsy, but not drunk enough to be hallucinating. Imagine his surprise America and South came waltzing into the countryhuman bar.

The odd duo sat down at the bar and ordered a couple of drinks. Russia chuckled as America deflated when Ireland brought him a Soda instead of the alcohol he requested. He watched as some of the nosier nations reported the new nation and countries flooded the bar. The antics of his fellow nations quickly became Russia's entertainment. He watched as America and his brother gradually became drunker and drunker. By 11:00 the two of them were wasted. Dang, didn't know Dixie could party like that.

Russia had turned away from the group for a moment. Suddenly, someone plopped into the seat beside him.

"Heeeeey! Ah' know you!" A distinctly Southern American accent said. Sure enough, a wasted Dixie was sitting in the seat across from Russia. Rus smiled at him. "I know you too."

Dixie propped his head up on his hand. "Ah' got quite the welcome party. Everyone's so friendly!" Russia took a swig of his Vodka. "How did Amerika take your arrival?" Russia asked, remembering the shouts he hears from America's property. Dixie sighed. "My Brother took it fahne' (fine), Tex and NY were the ones who were yellin'." He said drowsily. Russia felt his brow furrow. "Tex? NY? Who are they? I've never heard of them, Comrade." This slovak nation asked. "Oh... they're no one. I'm not supposed to tell you 'bout em'." Dixie replied. Russia sat there confused, wondering why these people are supposedly a secret. But before he could pry into the matter, Dixie was pulled off onto the dance floor by another nation.

Russia started connecting the dots. He remembered when America was in the hospital recently, when the Philippines was talking to him about America's strange behavior. All the times America would suddenly disappear from a meeting or party, which is not really like him. Russia realized that he has known there was something strange going on with America for years, he just ignored it constantly. That was the last straw. He was going to find out what the freedom nation was hiding, but he was going to need some help.

Meanwhile...

"How do you suppose we pull this off? Operation Cronus is such a risky move."

"All we need is enough people. We need people on the inside to sabotage."

"Why aren't we targeting the main personification and his allies."

"America is strong, we have to target his weaknesses, All 60 of them..."