Delaware. The 1st state is often overshadowed by more memorable states. However, he did play an important role in planning the young nation's future.

After the American Revolutionary War, the Original Thirteen were struggling to keep the country together on their own without England's help. The federal government was easily overwhelmed by territorial disagreements, political arguments, and a large war debt. Unfortunately, the Articles of Confederation didn't make its job any easier or effective. As a result, many people became dissatisfied and started to revolt.

Upon the aftermath of Shays Rebellion and the Annapolis Convention, the government knew they needed to reform. In 1787, delegates of the Original Thirteen (except Rhode Island because he's a dickhead) arrived at the Pennsylvania State House to discuss and come up with a new constitution for the nation. Numerous issues were discussed and thought out for many months, creating a document that'll forever cement a stable national government.

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"For Heaven's sake, just accept the results and help us with the plan!"

"You mean your plan!"

"We already discussed this earlier, Jersey! Virginia's plan is better suited for the task!"

"But it will put us at a disadvantage! Your plan is fair as long as it benefits those with more people!"

"Like your plan would be any better!"

"Better than yours at least!"

The entire room had become a battleground of ideals. Between Virginia and New Jersey, everyone was split on the legislative plans. Virginia's plan with all its reasons was the popular among the two. Yet, those with smaller populations felt the discussion on the bicameral legislature needed to be extended. Because of them, the room had been stuck on this issue for about three hours now. It was insane, yet the fighting wouldn't stop.

For every summer hour that passed after noon, the room became even more insufferable. Everyone wanted to leave, but we couldn't until a solution is agreed on. The windows were fully shut, no one allowed to open them to let in the warm breeze upon concerns of spies being able to listen in on the discussion. Suffocating under the pressure, the room was desperate to conclude the discussion, however, the stubborn faction who refused to accept Virginia's plan kept everyone from moving on with the debate.

Sitting at one of the desks, I analyzed every word in the documents to see what is agreeable or not. As one of the smaller States, I'm with Jersey for equality no matter the numbers. However, I can see why others like Virginia with bigger populations feel cheated on the matter. Either plan wasn't right. My eyebrow twitched hearing York complain on wanting to discuss Hamilton's Plan.

"Delaware."

I peer up from the documents to see whose voice it was. Standing next to me was a tall woman with chocolate hair in a updo bun. She wore a navy blue, colonial dress with a striped black and gold ribbon tied around her neck, stamped with an oval brooch made out of lapis. Her sparkling copper eyes didn't seem too concerned with the argument going on the room.

"Pennsylvania," I acknowledged her presence.

She proceeded to sit down next to me at the back of the round table. "You've been awfully quiet." She took off her glasses and proceeded to clean them with her handkerchief.

I shrugged indifferently. "What's there to say?"

She put on her glasses "I'm guessing you're with New Jersey's plan." She read my mind.

I sighed. "You understand why I chose that plan, correct?" I wanted to confirm her understanding on the matter.

She nodded. "It will indeed help you legislate equally like the rest of us," she said. "However, equal representation only matters if participation is included."

Watching the two sides bicker constantly at the same issue, I can already see future wars in front of me. Smaller States like New Jersey and New York going up against larger states like Virginia and Massachusetts, the argument was obviously biased for the larger states. Such skewed representation will forever be on ink in this new constitution, forever pitting me against the bigger states unless I somehow gain more land or a population shift in my favor which I doubt would ever happen. Equal, sure, but for my individual position, I was nowhere as influential as Pennsylvania or Virginia. Which is why Jersey is pushing for his plan, only now it seems the more populated states find the plan against the will of their people.

The bickering and squabbling were driving the room toward chaos as the idea of a constitution slowly crumbled under our feet every time someone called another a nitwit. If England were here right now, he would be mocking us in his jolly accent, bragging how Americans can be this stupidly barbaric. How we'll end up coming back to him in tears, kissing at his feet and promising never to betray him ever again. I shook my head at the thought of being humiliated. We vowed never to rely on England again, even if it means disappearing into oblivion. Yet, it would seem oblivion is closer than ever before.

Order was needed. We need to come up with a plan that everyone can agree on. Easier said than done I suppose.

"Hey. Everyone. We need to get this meeting back in control," I tried to quell the room. Sadly, my small voice couldn't matched the volume of the others. I gave up rather easily.

"Tobacco Breath!" Jersey called out.

"Devil Child!" Virginia hissed.

And suddenly, government talks turned into a name-calling fest. Massachusetts was bickering with North Carolina. Georgia was telling New York off. Maryland was scolding South Carolina to behave properly. Connecticut was doing his best to handle the situation, but even he was growing a temper from the heated debate. New Hampshire was one of the quieter states, opening his mouth to say something only nothing came out. Not a word of sense was spoken or if spoken was ignored.

Now I understand why Rhode Island didn't want to come. Even I wouldn't want to be a part of this mess.

"Everyone! That's enough! We need to get back to the discussion! Stop this bickering at once!" Penny demanded everyone to stop the useless cursing, but her dignified voice fell on deaf ears.

"It's no use. They'll never listen," I uttered disappointed, laying back in my chair.

Penny glared at me with a disapproving frown. "Don't just sit there! Help me get the room together."

"Why? Even if the room settles down, they'll go back to more pointless arguments and we'll never get anything done. It's hopeless," I uttered in a half-hearted tone.

Penn pinched the bridge of her nose, uttering a curse to herself before standing up from her seat. "I know you have the tendency to sit on the sidelines, but this isn't the time to sit back and admit defeat. You may not be one of the stronger or most populous, but your voice is needed in this discussion," she strongly urged me.

"You mean your voice," I corrected, irked by her comments. "If Virginia's plan were to come through, I'll eternally be insignificant to future debates since my position is nothing compared to where you stand among the thirteen of us. The only reason my voice matters is because you want to call this a democracy. But honestly, does my voice really matter? Does anyone care for a tiny State like me?"

Her silence confirmed my suspicions.

"I only helped in the revolution was for fair representation like you promised, yet not even this meeting gave me this right. Compared to every single one of these individuals in this room, I am merely a smidgen of power. My word compared to yours is like comparing an idiot to an intellectual. Who will the people believe more? The simpleton who could barely speak to them or the genius who has the power to change their mind. I knew this fact, yet I trusted you and everyone else. I thought everything would change for the better..."

"What were we thinking? We don't know anything! All we're good for is fighting. It got us through the war, but it couldn't get through these dumb, horrible meetings," I sighed, "I'm beginning to regret my decision. Honestly, we should've surrendered knowing this was the result of your stupid plans-" I tried to stop short of myself, but it was too late.

Penny gasped, taken aback by my harsh words. I covered my mouth, shocked I said those things. I couldn't even look at her anymore.

"... Penn-" I was about to apologize when she interrupt me.

"If that is truly how you really felt, my apologies for not seeing this," she apologized instead, much to my surprise.

I was too shock not to say anything back. I would have, but she kept talking.

"I don't think of you as less than me. Our boundaries and positions have set our births to be unequal, separating our experiences into differing paths from the start. I do not know your beginnings nor do you know mine. Having never know your position, it was ignorant of me to assume our mindsets and agendas are the same, especially concerning our definitions of equality. I assume fault in this conflict. I hope you forgive me for my grave mistake." She bowed her head before looking up at me with a serious look on her face.

"However, big or small, powerful or weak, all that doesn't matter. Altogether we're small and weak compared to other nations. Your independence on the debate won't matter when the country dives into ruin. Insisting your selfishness be the reason for your lack of participation may as well be the simpleton's excuse for ignorance," she took a breath, "I am selfish, and I willingly admit to such a fault. However, that doesn't mean I'm egotistic enough to shrug any small matter I deem too little for my interests. Nor am I the type to flaunt my position like a king."

"I'm willing to change for the better of this country, and everyone else is fighting to do the same. If we can get past this meeting, we can better the country for the future. And seeing you right in front of me doesn't bring anger to my eyes. Rather, I pity your insistence to not open up and trust us. If anything, I'm disappointed to hear your lack in faith in not only me, but all of us." She softened her eyes. "I've always seen you as a little brother, and to hear your disapproval shook me to the core. But alas, I won't give in to your negativity. Nor should you."

She breathed out a slow, tired sigh.

"I'll leave you alone for now. I have other matters to attend to than to babysit a brooding simpleton. But keep this in mind. This spiteful mindset will do nothing for us in the end. Nor will reading the documents to yourself benefit us from knowing your plans and concerns. As one of us, you have the right to tell us anything. Even if you have to set this place on fire, let us know your say or else we cannot understand your intentions. If you truly think we can't get anything done, you don't have to come to the meetings anymore. It's like you said, who would care for a little state like you?"

Penn started to walk away, but stopped for a brief second. "Well... I would," she muttered before leaving me alone, stomping toward the front of the room to yell at the rest of the States.

Her voice became mixed with the others, blending with the noise to where I couldn't tell her apart from the others. I processed the last words she told me in my head. They were harsh, but true. Unfortunately, they weren't enough to convince me to take action. Truly a simpleton I was.

As I studied the room from the back of the room, I doubt our prospects to be bright. The idea of coming together seemed like a distant, whimsical memory. Declaring independence and winning the war. Such glorified times. Once united in a single purpose, now we're cracking under the pressure of our big ideals. Once thirteen, proud, united entities, now we're squabbling youths who can't get anything done.

Was it all a mistake? Can we really form a country? Our dreams of prosperity will never match to England's or France's strength. Such wishes mean nothing if we can't form an efficient government. How foolish I was to believe we can survive on our own.

Before the war, I was one of the few who was loyal to the Crown. When I heard colonies like Massachusetts rebelling for independence, I thought they were mad. Did they know how to form a government? Did they know the costs of running a nation? Not to mention being able to overcome the almighty British Empire. Going against the most powerful country in the world was like threatening an army of bayonets with a twig.

It was impossible, yet I can't help but admire their beliefs for democracy. Their leadership to represent us was inspiring. Even their representatives were much more of a leader than the King. Over time, the patriotic emotions consumed me. I then became convinced by the others to join them, help them toward freedom, and I'll be promised a great amount of wealth and influence. I fought in the war, supporting their actions until we won.

And now here I was, gazing at their backs without bothering to join the debate. Patriotism at its lowest. A pile of problems in need of correcting, I have done nothing to solve them. From the very beginning, I had little faith on the meetings to be a success. If anything, I kept expecting failure with every session. Every walk to the building was loathsome. Every time I exit was bitter discontent. In the end, why did I bother coming to these meetings when I didn't want to deal with such problems in the first place?

'I'm counting on you,' I recall the words of a bright, young nation.

Oh, yes. I remember now.

Before entering this building, I met with the young, newly-independent country on my route to the convention. America. That poor, young man. He was probably the person who suffered the most among all of us. As the one closest to England, he must've been upset to leave on a stubborn purpose to prove he was better being independent from his caretaker. Even when his economy is shit, America would always have a smile on his face.

"After everything we've been through together, I'm fine knowing this is as far as we can get. You and everyone else have been working hard to help me out of this rut. I'm doing my best to work with my people, so I hope you and the others find and agree on a solution. I'm counting on you, my friend," America laughed without an ounce of fear in his mind.

'What a naive kid,' I thought.

Yet, I never hated him. Sure, he's annoying, but there was something about him that made me forgive his childish behavior. He wasn't like the others. Nor is he anything like me. Always positive and cheerful no matter the situation. He's foolish, but in a good way. Seeing America grow up from a tiny kid to a young man, I was proud to be a part in raising him. Even if he didn't bother to listen to my lectures, I've always willed myself to help the young country grow.

Distraught in tears and no smile, I don't want to see America in such a broken state. America had already endured a bittersweet revolution from his former caretaker, so there was no need to have him endure anymore pain. America has a bright future ahead of him. Even if the path up the hill becomes difficult, once he stands on top, it will all be worth it. For him and for all of us.

I cannot let him down.

Up from my seat, I marched my way down to the group. The others ignored my presence as usual. No one stopped me from getting to the front of the room. Clearing my throat, I heaved out a heavy breath, letting myself become enabled with words to say. After three weeks of stressful meetings, I was ready to place my words on board, ready to tell everyone what I think of the meeting. Sucking in a deep breath, I let everyone know my presence.

"PEOPLE!!! CUT THE CRAP AND SHUT UP FOR A SECOND!!!"

And just like that, everyone stopped their fighting. Their eyes turned towards mine. I glare at them under gasps for air, standing tall and firm from their curious gaze. Everyone grew silent. They paused from what they were doing and gave me the attention I deserved. Even if the calmness was out of fear, it was better than the disunity from earlier. Without the problem of being interrupted, I was given the floor without protest.

Clearing my throat, I was ready to address the issue. "We need to decide on a plan that will solve the problem on how the federal government should operate. America is counting on us to make sure this country is not only independent, but also united. From what Shay's Rebellion has taught us, the government is weak and needs to be centralized or else we'll be looked upon as weak. We're at a critical point where we either succeed or we fall. We may have beaten England, but he can easily come back to suppress us."

Chatters and nods went on around me. Murmurs of agreement between pairs came about as I allow them to make what I said. A hand went up and I gave a nod of approval, allowing them to speak.

"You're not wrong, Delaware," New Hampshire agreed. "However, if we put too much power into the national government, then we are no better than the King."

Everyone clamored negatively at the thought of another monarchy.

"Which is why the government is split into three branches. To make sure not one branch has too much power," I reminded him.

"But that's not the point of this meeting," Maryland stood up, "I apologize for interrupting, but may I add the main argument on this topic is how the legislative is going to be organized. Would it be the Virginia Plan where the number representatives go according the population of a state or would it be the New Jersey Plan where the number of representatives are equally distributed despite a state's population?" Maryland begged the question.

A few mutters were spoken regarding the two plans. Jersey uttered a curse regarding Virginia's plan, earning Virginia's scowl on his comment.

Not wanting another squabble, I intervened. "I understand where you're coming from. These two plans have their positives and negatives. Either way, no one is satisfied," I acknowledged.

"So, how do you suppose we set up Congress then?" Virginia questioned.

Honestly, I wasn't sure how to answer Virginia's question. If I'm correct, a majority prefer Virginia's plan. However, I cannot assume her plan to be entirely perfect. Even then, Jersey's plan isn't an ideal replacement. While everyone waited for my answer in silence, there was nothing I could say to suggest which plan was better for the nation.

As I was about to say this, a person with spiky, ash-blonde hair spoke up. "Well, how about we do both plans?" Connecticut chimed in.

"What do you mean?" The Carolinas question him at the same time, earning each other's glare.

"I-I mean... It probably sounds confusing." Connecticut rubbed the back of his head embarrassed.

Saved from embarrassment, I was grateful for Connecticut's help. Now it was my turn to help him. "Government is always confusing. Go ahead and tell us. We're all open to ideas," I encouraged him.

Despite everyone's eyes on him, Connecticut stepped up to the center of the room and began to make his argument.

"Well, here's what we can do for the legislative. As mentioned before, we'll use Virginia's and Jersey's plans. Thus, the legislature will be divided into two chambers, one encompassing Virginia's plan while the other focusing on Jersey's. Together, these two sides will make the laws and verify bills they agree with," Connecticut explained to the best of his abilities.

Whispers of confusion went around the room. There were nods and disagreements regarding Connecticut's explanation.

"Sounds...complicated," Georgia uttered unsure of the suggestion.

"A plan that includes mine and Virginia's. Will it be effective?" Jersey pondered on the idea.

"I feel that's too much power in one branch," Hampshire pointed out.

"But if the legislative is not powerful enough, who's going to stop the executive going George the III on the country?" York added.

"We won't have another King," Virginia denied such a possibility. "If anything, we should worry more about our crippling debt and lack of unity. The government could barely support the nation in such a weak state, so we need to enable more control over to the national government. As much as I hate the idea of the federal government gaining more power, I acknowledge the current one has done not enough. The plan Connecticut mentioned may work, however, I still recommend my plan for the legislative branch," she advised.

"What do you think of the plan, Delaware?" Pennsylvania inquired my opinion on the matter.

I thought over our options, turning to everyone in the room. Virginia appeared confident in her plan being the most logical and efficient. On the other hand, Jersey was expecting his plan to make sense to everyone, being that everyone is equal in representation despite their population. And then there was Connecticut, offering one branch to comprise itself of both Virginia's and Jersey's Plans. It will appease both sides, but will there be too much power for one branch among the three? Will his plan work? Get anything done at all?

After much consideration, I was ready to give everyone my two cents on the matter.

"After everything that's been discussion, one thing is clear. The government needs to be powerful enough to take control of the country. There will always be this fear of government taking over our lives as we learned from our predecessor's ruler. I understand, yet, after Shays Rebellion, I refuse to trust the common people to hold responsibility for their actions," I spoke honestly. "We need to figure out what we want to represent us while providing a strong government to take matters into its own hands with justification. Which is why I firmly believe Connecticut's compromise made up of Virginia's and Jersey's plans to be the best solution for the legislature."

The room murmured mixed views on my decision to support Connecticut's compromise.

"Are you sure? I mean, the plan I had was only a suggestion," Connecticut questioned my choice.

I strongly nodded. "The larger states can still have their own representatives according to population. However, to make things fair, we'll also have at least two representatives to represent each state. Thus, we'll divided the legislature into two houses. One representing the national population, a House of Representatives we shall call it. The other would represent the states, a Senate we shall call it. These two houses will share their power with one another, both agreeing or both disagreeing. There won't be a favor of one house or the other. That way the legislature can't do everything without the other's approval. It will be up to either house to check each other's actions along with the executive and judicial branches as well," I explained in an eloquent manner.

Comments of approval started to lean more toward an agreement No one seemed to argue with what I said so far.

"Sounds correct." York nodded.

"You make the compromise sound easy despite its complicated process. Will the two houses be able to agree and get anything done?" Massachusetts appeared skeptical on the plan.

I turn my attention to Massachusetts. "They can still get things done. However, they must work together if they want to better the nation. If we put a single house to do the job, who is going to stop them if they go over the line? Who's going to stop them from preventing the two other branches to work? Do we create another Parliament then? The point is this is a countermeasure to prevent absolute rule while having power to take action. Tedious this process may be, the amount of time to consider and apprehend the bills and measures will stabilize the nation and prevent rushed, controversial law from taking place," I defended the two-chamber legislative plan.

No one seemed to argue. None have any concerns or mishaps with the Connecticut Compromise.

"You seem to got this covered. I'm surprised you and Connecticut have a plan besides Virginia's and New Jersey's," Maryland noted.

I awkwardly scratched the back of my head. "It's mainly Connecticut's, although I do get an idea on what he's suggesting. It will be a challenge, but I believe his compromise to be the best solution to our legislative problem."

Mumbles and head nods followed my comment.

"Can you be certain this plan will work?" South Carolina questioned.

"No," I spoke honestly. "But with the current federal government failing to protect the country, all that I ask of you is to give this plan a chance. If this plan were to fail, we can always find another solution. Because as it stands, any plan is better than our current one."

Upon talks among my fellow States, I waited for anyone besides me and Connecticut for approval. I was fairly confident on the compromise. Even so, I cannot say what the future will be for the legislature under this compromise. All I can do is ask for support from both my fellow States and the American people.

After much discussion, North Carolina was the first to speak up. "Seems about right. I guess I can give this plan my support."

Soon, more States followed her decision.

"I suppose I can give this plan my support as well," South Carolina mimicked her sister, causing North Carolina to curse at her twin for being a copycat.

"I'm still in favor of Hamilton's Plan, but I guess we can settle on Connecticut's compromise if anyone else is in favor of the plan," York admitted to his hesitation.

"I agree," Pennsylvania joined in.

Eventually, everyone started to come around to the compromise, united in a single thought. I couldn't help but brighten to the prospects of progress turning in our favor. For once, I could see a great country in the making.

"Then it's settled then. We can all agree with Connecticut's compromise on the matter, correct?" I asked again, receiving, "yays," in response to my question.

After gaining approval by most if not all of the people in the room, we wrote on a piece of parchment the Connecticut Compromise before ending the session. There was still much work to resolve before we could start over with a new government. For now, we were finally able to finish this one before moving on to work on another part of government in need of improvement.

Since that meeting, I've been put in charge in meditating talks. As annoying and tiring as they were, I'm willing to put in all my effort for this country to succeed. I was to take every measure to correct and explain every point in the new constitution. I put my best foot forward to start anew. No matter how hopeless the situation may be, no longer will I be a simpleton on the sidelines and allow myself to admit defeat. That day forward, I set my foot down and let my words make up for my small position.

Like any American, I'm willing to do anything for the country I love.

~

Many months later, the final draft of the Constitution was sent to our homes, waiting for our approval of the document, thus establishing a new government with rules set in place according to what's written. Sitting on my desk was a copy along with my state constitution I've worked on over the summer. I've already signed my state constitution. All I need to do before sending the documents was to sign my name on the U.S. Constitution, thus approving the setup of the national government.

I analyzed every word and section in the U.S. Constitution with careful consideration, reading it multiple times. Not only will the Constitution solve our current problems, but future ones as well. With a stronger government, the country will be able to grow properly on a stable foundation. Even if this government was to succeed, there will be a time when the government will come under scrutiny, attacked for being either weak or tyrannical, absent or meddling, or even become a kingdom of devil-horned, two-faced politicians and their greedy lackeys. Anything can happen, even America's downfall. For now, all I can do is hope for the current, dire situation to dissipate.

With a quill in hand, I dipped the tip into the inkwell, letting the pen dry for a second before writing my name at the bottom of the page. Never did I thought the time I place my signature to sending my approval will I be the first state under this new federal government. Starting from square one, I became the first state of the new Union.

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+ The Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia for several months in 1787. The purpose of the convention was to create a new system of federal government, one that gave the federal government more leniency and power than the Articles of Confederation. Delegates from the Original Thirteen colonies (except for Rhode Island because they were afraid of big government) discussed various topics. Among them was representation within the legislature; it was later solved with the Connecticut Compromise.

- There's a lot more to discuss regarding the Constitutional Convention and the creation of the U.S. Constitution I wasn't able to mention in this chapter. Most likely I'll be discussing more about the topic in more stories to come.

+ To be honest, there wasn't anything notable in Delaware's history that made me want to write a story on. I ended up having to use my basic U.S. history knowledge to write a chapter on the Constitutional Convention from their point of view. In some ways, it's quite interesting to know Delaware was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution. The state was one of the more reluctant colonies to declare war on Great Britain. The fact it was able to beat the likes of Pennsylvania to the finish line and get on board for the Constitution is quite amazing character growth in my opinion.

+ On a side note, I had difficulty on deciding what to use for the United Kingdom's name, either Great Britain (or Britain in short) or England. I know there's a difference between the two. For this fanfiction, I'll use 'England' when referring to the character. Technically, Great Britain is the correct term, but I prefer to use England in case APH Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland were to appear in future stories.

~

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