Pennsylvania. The 2nd state was the base of the independent nation, providing as the center of patriotic beliefs and meetings that would eventually form the United States of America. Such plans can be traced back to her beginnings.

The Commonwealth was born different among the British colonies. Disputes for her land between the English and the Dutch (along with the Swedish but little colonization) made her dislike fighting, thus she hated conflict. Eventually she'll meet her founder and caretaker, William Penn, who adopted her and taught her the virtues of a Quaker. Penn's ideologies were passed down to her, giving her a different view of government the others thought was "strange". She believed in peace; not war. She believed all religions should be respected; not discriminated. She believed her leaders were responsible to cooperate with the citizens to ensure a better state; a democracy.

Before William Penn died in 1712, while he was conscious, he believed in the idea of a united colonies of America. Never would he thought it would happen. All happening right in the city he had built.

☆☆☆☆☆

Waiting at the docks, I watched the bustling ships come and go in the harbor to another busy afternoon. Sailors and travelers strolled along the damp, oak platform, minding their own business and moving along with the hours that passed. Fishermen gathering their daily catch, builders finishing new boats, even businessman from the motherland were taking note of the activity and opportunity within the bustling crowd.

Standing along the docks, I was looking for a certain, busy man, waiting for him with great patience and longing. It had been too long since he left. Five years of absence and he's coming home after finishing his mission. He should've arrived earlier according to the last letter he sent. Morning, afternoon, and evening, I've checked the harbor this whole week and found no one that resembled the balding, chubby man. Unless his ship suffered problems at sea, he should've arrived by now.

While I waited for the man, accompanying by my side was his nineteen year-old daughter, Sarah. Or, Sally she was called. Her long, curly, coffee brown hair brushed and prepped, she wore a simple, pastel pink dress for the occasion. Leaning against a wooden pillar, her bright eyes gazed intently at the far ocean in the horizon for the ship that held her father. Standing beside me under my care, it was hard to believe this young girl I met five years ago was now a beautiful woman a year or two older than me. My eyes once peering over the top of her head, little Sally was now a whole head above me. The five years I stayed the same while she matured and aged into the current person today.

Sally noticed my indifferent growth, but she didn't question me. Gladly I didn't want to explain my secret. Arthur was quite strict in allowing me to openly admit our existence, so for his sake I've kept my immortality to a close few. In Sally's case, I had to excuse my special diet for my youthful appearance. Silly, but it'll do.

"Madame Penn, do you think my father will be here soon?" Sally asked.

I was underage for the title, yet the title gave off a sense of wisdom and maturity I preferred over lady. Since meeting Sally, I have always asked everyone I meet to be called madame. No one questioned my response. Maybe except Arthur who only commented of the wrong usage. Nevertheless, he respectfully called me Madame Penn on occasion.

Turning to Sally, I replied, "Maybe. His recent letter ended with his departure from London. Judging by the date he sent the letter, he should be here by now." Looking back toward the sea, a ship came into the harbor, however, it was a ship from the colonies, much to my disappointment.

The disheartened daughter gave a heavy sigh upon seeing the ship not to be her father's. "It has been too long since he went away. I miss him so much," the lady uttered displeased.

"I'm sure he misses you, too," I reassured her.

Sally attempted to smile over the thought, but instead she continued her rant while pacing back and forth along the dock. "I wish I could've gone to London. I always wanted to visit the motherland and personally meet with Father's associates. If only Mother wasn't afraid of the ocean, I would surely go with Father and William." She stopped pacing and leaned back along the wooden pillar next to me.

I couldn't describe how his business trip affected poor Sally. Despite the constant company of family and friends, Sally really was Franklin's little girl. A pride of joy she was, full of intellectual capabilities compared to the average maiden. No wonder Benjamin was protective of her.

"I heard daughters were normally taught little to no education, yet your father made you learn politics. I'm quite surprised, yet proud he spent much time teaching you such knowledge. He truly cares for your welfare to spend his own time teaching you such complicated matters," I noted.

Her frown turned into a smile hearing my compliment. "It was difficult, but intriguing at the same time," she proudly stated. "Never would I thought the political workings of government to be complex as it was. Father was quite sarcastic and tough on the lessons, but he always expected the best for me. I'm still baffled how Father knew such knowledge along with his studies of the sciences and philosophical teachings of many Western thinkers. An intellectual man he was. It's no wonder he was chosen to be a diplomat."

I have to agree with her. Benjamin was one of the most unique humans I have ever witnessed in my lifetime at this point. Born in Boston as one of seventeen children, he was unable to continue his education due to his poor circumstances. Instead, he was apprenticed under his older brother into the printing industry. From there he grew in the trade, eventually moving to Philadelphia where he spent much of his time, besides travelling Europe, inventing, writing, and studying. His public image and contributions have grew to where he became a reliable figure for the city. And now, he is coming back to his home city after failing his mission unfortunately.

"I heard you were taught under William Penn. Is that true?" Sally interrupt my thoughts.

My eyes blinked for a moment before answering her question in a composed manner. "You could say I was born under him," I reminisced, "He raised me as one of his own, and taught me his views like I was his apprentice. William was a good man, and I'm glad to know such a person."

Just remembering my founder brings both the good and bitter memories. Even though death is a normal occurrence every day, I wished he was capable of living a long life like mine. There was much more he could've taught me. So much he could've seen. But now that he's gone, I'll never see him again. For that, I promised to watch over everything he has created grow.

Sally slowly nodded. "If acceptable to ask, may I ask why you left the family?" she cautiously inquired.

Her curiosity amused me, so I obliged to her request. "Since William's death, his family name still holds control of the commonwealth. His sons took advantage of being the owners of the land, and have neglected their father's practice." I cracked a small, crooked smile remembering his reckless sons.

I wanted to tell her the injustice they've done to their father's legacy, the way they betrayed their father's beliefs. Just thinking about them makes me want to explode upon their malpractice. However, I wish not to embarrass the two of us as we are in public. Such an explosion would betray not only mine, but my founder's expectations.

After a brief pause, I finished telling Sally my reason for leaving. "I still hold William's beliefs dear to me. His beliefs were his last gift of inheritance to me, and I cherish them to heart. I did not like how his heirs decided to do the opposite of those beliefs, infuriating me to no end. It was before I came into your home that I left the Penn household, unable to stand for their actions..."

It was pitiful. How much his sons commercialized the colony for themselves, and never paying their share in taxes. Controlling the government and land like a pair of Kings, they were no better than greedy barons. The turning point might have been when they decided to ban religious groups that were not of Protestant faith. From there was when I gave up on convincing them to change. It was an outburst against their ways. I could not excuse their actions anymore. I left the Penn household, and nothing has changed since my departure.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Sally mumbled in an apologetic tone, appearing terrible from what I said.

Relaxing my expression, I softly smiled. "It's all in the past. Now, I am more than happy to share my views with someone who understands them," I reassured her in a sincere manner.

"Even so, I have always seen you to be a strong person. Your situation was quite tragic, so to hear you tell your story in such an accepting manner baffles me."

I frowned hearing her comment. Sally was too busy watching the frothy waves not to notice my brief display of torture on my face. I did not correct her as the subject of the Penns had been long enough. In no way was I accepting of the conflict. I was bitter to the core, determined to get this land back to the people. I vowed to do so by whatever democratic means without using back-handed tricks or dark alley bribery. Until I do, I will not give up on righting the Penns and restoring my founder's foundation. For now, I'll have to bide my time and find another way to bring the current Penns to justice. Easier said than done I suppose.

"I still find your appearance to be a mystery," Sally murmured to herself. "When my father invited you to stay at our home, I was curious on how the two of you knew each another. He said you were an independent acquaintance which shocked me more, especially considering your young age. Not to mention being quite trustful of your character was more than enough to pique my interest. Madame, how did you meet my father?"

My finger touching upon my lip, I thought on her question with consideration. "You can say it started by a word in the wind," I uttered upon a nostalgic memory.

Her eyes glistened with interest. "Gossip? I'm not surprised. He's famous for his research and writings," she noted. "So, how did you get word of him?"

Giving a good thought, I smiled remembering the good, old days. "It's difficult to recall when I heard of Franklin. I remember reading Poor Richard's Almanac, but I forgot which issue it was when I found out who "Poor Richard" really was. Upon hearing from a friend who commented on the famous writer was where I learned of your father's name."

I was disappointed to see the publication end. Even so, I should be fortunate it was even published. Without it, I wouldn't have gained an interest to who "Poor Richard" was. Once Franklin comes back, I need to ask him if he could continue this series again.

I continued, "During a time when I was living in the Penn household, I was hurrying home one day because it was rumored to rain that day. On my way home, I found myself seeing Franklin experimenting with a kite under the cover of a tiled roof."

It was a strange sighting. Never in my life did I witness an adult man interacting with a toy made for kids. Not to mention fly a kite on such a gloomy day. And yet, I didn't see him as crazy. Rather, I went across the street and went up to him.

"Curiosity had gotten the better of me, and I asked your father what he was doing. Benjamin explained he was experimenting to see if lightning was made out of electricity, thus he was using a kite to collect these particles in the air to confirm his hypothesis. I then watched how he proceeded with the experiment. At one point, a crack of lightning shook the sky, causing me to fear for the poor man's health. Thankfully he wasn't harmed during his experiment. In fact, he was successful with the data he collected."

Later he would confirm in a report that lightning was indeed made out of electricity. He wasn't given credit for the report as scientists had yet understood the properties of electricity. Even then, Benjamin was confident in his findings and used the data he found to invent the lightning rod to which he was given credit and honors for the invention.

"After introductions, Benjamin and I had a conversation regarding inventions, his writings, and his travels in Europe. Your father was quite intelligent in his work, passionate to where I had to remind him we were in public. I listened to one of his stories on his first trip to London, how he come to know famous philosophers and intellectuals during trips to coffee houses in Europe along with his life story. Upon the first rain drops to fall on our heads, I had to leave your father and return home. Before we left our separate ways, he asked if I want to become his assistant for his projects and help him with his studies."

In fact, the famous man surprised me further by inviting me to his household. A mere stranger he just met, invited like a close friend to him. I could tell part of his question involved a pinch of flirting, praising my open-minded perspective to be a vital asset in inventing and experiments. Despite such strange behavior, we shared common understanding regarding our beliefs on the world around us. Since my founder's death, I had not found another person I could relate to. Benjamin would be the person I come to appreciate for his accomplishments and strong beliefs for American independence and democracy.

"Did you accept?" Sally inquired.

I shook my head. "I sadly had to decline. I was busy with the Penn household along with my personal job. Benjamin understood my reasons, but the man told me his address, saying I was welcomed anytime as a fellow friend of his," I explained. "It was after leaving the Penn household when I visited your father for a temporary place to stay until I found myself a home to live in. But your father suggested I be a part of the family, insisting I could help with your education and keep your mother from falling ill while he was away on business."

Again, Benjamin was a busy man. I have seen his study and it was always in a mess. If Eliza (Virginia) were to discover the room, she would've spent the whole day tidying the place up without a second thought. His mahogany book shelves and cabinets were packed full with heavily, written papers and thick, heavy textbooks. Most of them over scientific studies, mathematics, law, and philosophy. He either kept himself in his study or he was away from his home. Time with family was minimal, but he did care for them deeply. It was for his family that he asked for my favor to keep watch over them while he was away in Europe.

"I could not refuse his offer," I said with contempt, "Especially after telling me his plans of his trip to London, Benjamin wanted to make sure you and your mother are cared for during his absence. Your father knew his trip to be a lengthy one, concerned he would miss your growth to womanhood and any troubling matters while he was away. It was for you and your mother that I was given this task to watch over you both. Thus, that was how I met your father and why I have stayed with you and your mother in these last five years," I concluded.

For five years since he left, I took care of his household. Cleaning, educating little Sally, assisting Deborah, and tending the property, I took this new job seriously. Every month I would send a letter across the ocean, to ensure him everything was fine and anything important that happened, whether it be small family matters to government affairs at home. It was the least I could do for a friend.

Noticing Sally's scowl, I ask why she appeared that way. "When my father does come back, will you leave us to go live on your own?" Sarah asked, saddened at the thought of my departure.

Her question did not surprise me. My obligation to stay with them was because of Benjamin's request. We had bonded in the last five years. When Benjamin does come back, what will I do then? Time had caught up to me as I was faced with a question on the future. I couldn't help but softly smile to such a thought.

"As of now, I have no reason to leave," I confess. "Even if I did leave, I could never abandon your family. I will always be around, free to visit your household. As of now, departure from the Franklin household is the last thing that comes in mind. After everything your father did to bring me into his home, I have never been happier seeing you grow up into a beautiful, grown lady."

Sally blushed. "You really are too kind, Penelope," she giggled.

Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!

Hearing a bronze bell ring across the pier, we turn our heads to see a large, British ship sailing into the harbor. Without hesitating to see if the ship was the one Benjamin was on, our feet trampled across the grimy dock to confirm for ourselves if he's back. Heading into a small crowd of watchers who waited for the ship to dock, we stood in the middle of the crowd to see the visitors of Philadelphia. By the time they set down the plank, a line of visitors of all shapes and sizes came down the ship and set foot onto land since their time at sea.

Noticing a familiar, stout man and his diminishing, gray hair walking down the plank, I call out the man's name and point the person out to Sally. Sally gave a gasp and ran into the disperse crowd toward the bumbling man who was taken aback by the woman at first. But then a jolly smile grew across his face, recognizing his daughter's hug with one of his own. Watching such a happy reunion, I thought a tear came up in my eye. Wiping the stray tear under my glasses, I couldn't help but smile in relief to finally see him after five years, alive and well.

Welcome back, Benjamin. Welcome back to Philadelphia.

"Father! It's been so long!" Sally did her best not to cry in public from the joy of seeing her father since she was a teenager.

"Ah, Sally! My little girl! My, have you grown since I left you!" Franklin exclaimed before turning to the smaller girl that was me. "And you, Penelope! It's good to see you again. My, you barely aged at all since I left." His sarcasm never ceases to amaze me.

"Benjamin, you are too kind," I chuckled before giving him a hug myself.

"And Philadelphia has not change at all!" Franklin scanned his surroundings, recognizing every dock and building that surrounded the shores of his home. "How long were you two waiting for my arrival?"

Turning to Sally, I allowed her speak for the both of us. "For today, about an hour or so. We visited the harbor every day this week to see when you would arrive."

Benjamin scoffed, "Don't be ridiculous! You're wasting your time waiting for a ship that can't properly navigate an ocean." He hooted, "I apologize for not coming sooner since business over in London had not gone well."

My heart sank remembering the reason he came back. "I'm sorry to hear that," I mumbled.

Benjamin took notice of what I said. "Don't be sorry. The Crown had yet to understand the corruption of the Penn family on democracy. It's not surprising they would deny the peoples' requests," Benjamin acknowledge the problem still at hand. "If you're still worried for the people of Pennsylvania, then no need to worry any longer. The people of this city will find a way to solve this problem in due time," he reassured.

"Thank you. Your efforts will not be a waste," I gratefully thanked the man.

Scanning the faces of all the passengers that arrived off the ship, Sally had yet to find the other person who went with her father to London. "Father, where is William?" she asked for her half-brother's whereabouts.

Benjamin scowled, replying, "He went on a different ship to New Jersey." His voice appeared disgruntled on the mention of his illegitimate son. "Let's not talk about him for now. I had yet to eat a proper meal since I was on that ship." Benjamin handed me his suitcase. Together, we walked off the harbor to find a carriage to take us back to the Franklin household.

"It's good to have you back, Father. Mother and I have missed you very much. Much has changed at home, and Mother will be delighted to see you finally home for once." Sally chattered happily like a sweet mockingbird, telling him everything that has happened since his departure.

Benjamin smiled. "Your mother must have been lonely since my departure. If only your mother wasn't afraid of the sea, she wouldn't have to wait for my long arrival."

"It's not her fault. Nor is it your fault," I reminded him.

"I know," he acknowledged, "She's a stubborn woman, but I respect her on the matter. Hopefully she likes the gift I got for her from London. Deborah prefers gold trinkets over silver ones, correct?" I was unable to answer his question and gave an indifferent shrug in response. Sally could not find a proper reply and shrugged as well.

Before long, we've finally found a carriage willing to take us home. Not long after, we were back home.

~

It was a late night, about to be midnight in the next five minutes on the grandfather clock that stood in Benjamin's study. Everyone had gone to bed, resting up for the next day. However, I stayed up reading a study of Greek philosophers. I watched from afar the Founding Father who again sat at his desk, writing with a quill pen on the topic of politics. The man was going well into his sixties, so I was amazed how he was able to live this long, especially with his heavy weight and the constant stress he goes through every day. Although alive and well, I am cautious for his sake and wished he went to bed after such a long trip back home.

"You should rest up for the night," I encourage the man from my rocking chair.

"Don't be silly, Penelope." The man chuckled without glancing in my direction, his eyes still on the paper he's writing. "If you are worried about my old age, then I would also be worried about yours as well."

I took in the amusement with a pressed smile. "No need to worry about me. If anything, you should be worried about that appetite of yours," I remarked.

He scoffed, "After spending five consecutive years in London, I have grew to appreciate my wife's cooking." Thankfully I was glad England was not here to hear that comment.

Despite my warnings, Benjamin continued his work.

"I'm sorry regarding the request," I spoke up.

"You apologize too much," Benjamin noted, pausing from his work to meet my copper eyes. "I have too much respect for the founder of this land to not denounce his heirs, but I will at least help his resolve and bring this colony back to the people," he swore.

"And how are you going to do that?" I inquired.

"Well, I need to lead the government of course!" he proudly announced. "I will ask for allies against the proprietors to join my cause. Then I'll be able to control the house and that will be where I change the system." His plan didn't sound too complicated. Considering his ideas, he may be popular with the people, but friends in the upper class may need some convincing. Even so, Benjamin's influence should be likable enough to get the people to support his leadership.

"It shouldn't be too difficult. Then again, will a feeble, old gentleman be able to call unity among the citizens of the city to vote for him?" I teased.

"Humph! Are you doubting my abilities, madame?"

"No need to get offended, Mister Franklin," I stood up from my chair, "If anything, you should be praised for everything you have done for this commonwealth." Taking a candlelight off the nearby side table, I walked with my book under my arm and the candle in my left hand to the door.

"I doubt my end will be close, but when I do go to Heaven, will you guarantee my contributions mean a difference after I'm gone?" he asked.

His question surprised me somewhat. Nevertheless, he was asking for reassurance. Like he did for me, I need to reassure him of the long, winding road ahead of us.

"A remarkable genius you are, Benjamin. No doubt the commonwealth nor the twelve colonies will ever forget your achievements for them," I answered honestly.

Benjamin seemed content on the answer, relaxing in his chair with a pleased look on his face. "Better get going, madame. Tomorrow, I will need your help to convince the citizens to vote for my cause."

"Busy as usual," I giggled.

"If given the choice I will continue my work to not only the city but the country as well. There is much work to be done. No matter the weather or day, I will work until my heart stops beating." He softly chuckled to such a morbid thought.

I softly smiled. "Well then, I'll be off to bed," I creaked open the door, "Please do get some rest, Benjamin," I advised.

"Thank you for your consideration." As I was about to step out the door, I was told to wait for a moment. "And...thank you for taking care of my wife and daughter while I was away."

A moment silence passed between us before I answered, "It's no trouble at all."

Benjamin nodded, going back to writing again. "I wish you a good night."

"Good night to you, too."

Closing the door to his study, I quietly walked to my room to rest for the night.

☆☆☆☆☆

+ Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts as one of seventeen children in January 17, 1706. His family didn't have enough money to provide for Franklin's education, forcing him to become an apprentice to an older brother at a printing press. He would later run away to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to start his life anew, doing so many things I couldn't mention without making these footnotes really long. Without a doubt, he'll be a recurring character in more stories to come.

+ I originally wanted to make a chapter on either the First Continental Congress or the Second Continental Congress to show Pennsylvania's important in America's independence. However, I was unhappy with how the draft started, and I ended up scrapping the story for now. I might come back to the story and publish it another time. When I do, I hoped it could contribute to Pennsylvania's key role in the American Revolution.

~

Feel free to vote or comment any thoughts on Pennsylvania or the chapter here.