The next day, I'm sitting in my room, bored out of my mind. I hear the party raging in the ballroom... if only my walls were soundproof. Like I said, every state has their little pocket dimension room, and their rooms are soundproof. But you only get a room if you have a gift. And so, I'm stuck in a repurposed library. I mean, it's big, and has a huge window to the courtyard, but it's hard not to get jealous when I know the room next door leads to a small desert with its own house inside. Like, c'mon! Arizona gets a house in his house?!?!

If there is a hell, and if envy is one of the seven deadly sins, I'm goin straight there.

But at least I'll be in good company, most of the states are prideful as hell.

The party still raves, so I decide to try and take my mind off it. In the corner, I have a bunch of exercising equipment, so I hit that up. I may not be magic, but if everyone here was normal like me, I'd be the most well off in the bunch. I'm just sayin, having a whole library and personal gym to yourself, and an unbridled desire to be better sure pays off. I'm no Dwayne Johnson, but everyone always calls me over when they need something to lift. I know Connecticut can just make food appear, but I make some damn good enchiladas. I know Wisconsin can just heal you with some cheese, but I learned all kinds of health, safety, and survival tips.

But it doesn't matter even a goddamn bit to the others.

Because I may be strong, but I'm not super strong

I may be a good cook, but my food doesn't heal

I may know a lot, but I don't know everything

Sometimes I wonder why I even bother.

"Texas?" Ohio says.

"couLD YOU NOT SNEAK UP ON PEOPLE?!" I exclaim. Ohio shrugs.

"It's what I do best! I was just wondering... y'know... since I can hide you in plain sight... would you like to join the party? Maybe just for a little bit?" Ohio asked. I wanted to say no, because what's the fun of a party if nobody realizes you're there? but on the other hand, it's also fun to have Ohio hide you in plain sight. It's annoying when Ohio does it though, but that's because he sneaks up on you. But then again, what'd you expect from Ohio?

"Alright, just to see what I'm missing out on," I say. Ohio uses his power on me, which from my perspective makes nothing happen. Which is technically true. Nothing happens to the person/object at all, it just makes it so people don't notice it, as if they're invisible. Unlike Delaware's power, which makes him completely invisible so that even he cant see himself. Me and Ohio rejoin the party.

"So... how long will I be like this?" I ask.

"It lasts 24 hours, or until you make your presence known," Ohio said.

"And I do that by getting someone's attention on purpose right?" I ask.

"Yep, so unless you shove or shout at someone, you'll be hidden in plain sight," Ohio said. I nod.

"Alright, thanks Ohio!" I exclaim, running off into the crowd. I see America hanging out with a group of states. Damn, it's been a while since I've seen him... He seems to be the only person other than Florida who doesn't see me differently than everyone else because of my lack of powers.

"So, wheres Texas? I haven't seen him!" America exclaimed.

"Unfortunately, Kentucky predicted today would go poorly if Texas was at the party," Nevada said.

"Aww, really? Damn... that sucks... maybe I'll stop by his room and say hi before I leave," America said.

"Good idea... he's been down recently... I can feel it even now...," Georgia said.

"Probably has to do with being powerless... poor guy...," California said.

"Oh, don't pretend to care in front of Ame, you little golden pain in my a**," I mutter. I don't want to hear them pity me anymore, so I go and try to find Florida. When I do, he's with New York, and kinda low profile. He actually seems a bit... sad? Defeated?

"Florida, could you please go refill my drink? I got punch... you know what that is right? Punch. It's over there.... nod if you understand what I'm asking," Nueva said, handing Florida his cup. I clench my fists.

"He's not a stupid animal servant, he's a state. Just like you're a state...," I mutter. I want to stand up for my friend, but I also don't want Nueva flyin off the handle at me. Florida growls at Nueva and throws his cup on the floor. Nueva scoffs.

"Tennessee, Can you show Florida to his room? I think he needs to lie down," Nueva said. Tennessee nodded and strummed his banjo. Since Florida is part animal, he is begrudgingly compelled to follow Tennessee. I sigh. Maybe after I'm done checking out the party I'll hang out with Florida. I scan the room one final time, taking in the party... when suddenly I saw a strange hooded someone out of the corner of my eye. They leave the room just as I spot them. Curious, I follow. They go into the main hall, and to the foyer. From there, they go upstairs and to....

The candle room...

I run in just in time to see them trying to snuff out the candle. Which is impossible, but still insulting that they would try.

"STOP!" I shout, making myself visible. They turn to look at me, and suddenly disappear into the shadows. I run to the candle and make sure it's not harmed, but suddenly the room around me starts to crack, and the flame begins to dim. "Oh no...,"

I sprint back to the ballroom. That candle is the source of all of the magic we have. We cannot let it fade. I burst into the ballroom, everyone staring at me.

"The candle! It's going out! There's cracks in the mansion!" I exclaim. Everyone begins rushing to the candle room, but when we get there...

"....was this supposed to be funny?" Nueva spat. I look around at the room... it doesn't make sense... I saw the cracks... I know what I saw...

"I-I wasn't lying! There were cracks... the... the candle was-,"

"I thought I told you to stay in your room. I thought we made it clear that if you didn't, tonight would be ruined," Nueva spat.

"I-I.... I just.... I was just scared.... I wanted to help-,"

"You can help by learning your place. Go to your room and stay there, before you ruin anything else," Nueva spat.

"New York... calm down," America said.

"Calm down? I understand you only visit every once in a while, so you don't quite understand what we're dealing with, but let me show you just how helpful Texas has been," Nueva said. He nods at Iowa. Iowa gives me an apologetic look, and I simply hang my head low. Iowa projects all of his memories of my various mess-ups for everyone to see. The times I tried to help, but just ended up making everything worse.

"I'm not trying to be mean, but Texas, seriously, if you stop trying so hard all of the time, maybe you wouldn't be such an embarrassment-,"

"Could you shut up for once?!" I shout. "All I ever wanted was to help, all I ever wanted was to feel like I belong... sorry me existing is just such an inconvenience to all of you! I guess if I'm not welcome here, I should just leave!" I shout, before storming away. I go to my room to pack up my things. I'm not sure where I'm going, but I should at least start heading that way. However, when I get to my room, I see Florida waiting for me.

"Get out of the way Florida, it's better for you to just forget about me...," I say. Florida crosses his arms and defiantly sits in front of my door. "Florida, I'm not welcome here... I'll visit you, I promise," I say. Florida doesn't budge. "Florida-,"

Florida hisses loudly, as if to tell me there's nothing I can say that'll make him give up. I sigh and kneel in front of him.

"I don't want to leave either.... but.... if I'm really not welcome... if.... if I'm doing more harm than good... I-I..." I start tearing up. "H-heh.... maybe my power is being a nuisance?" I say. Florida frowns, and then pulls me into a tight hug. And then, something crazy happens.

"N-noooooooo," Florida hisses. He's never been able to speak. And even then, it was just a hiss imitating a word. However, it still is enough to release the tears built up in my eyes. I hold him close and cry.

"You are the best damn gator friend a guy could ask for," I say. Florida purrs happily. I know the other states might not like me all that much, but one things for certain...

I'm stayin right where I am.