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Liberia fiddled with her hands nervously as she waited patiently outside the United States’ office. She tried to keep her breathing shallow, calm, to not betray any feelings of anxiety or nervousness… because she was totally, totally not feeling like that right now.
Breathe. She reminded herself. Remember what Auntie Alice said. Her human caretaker’s soft, elderly voice echoed in her ears, bringing a sense of comfort to Liberia.
“And remember, a country must always be calm and presentable. Be kind to others, treat them with respect.” She could almost picture her Auntie’s room, her comforting smile as she’d sit on the floor beside her mahogany rocking chair, eating home-made cookies as Auntie knit.
The memory was enough to bring Liberia back into the real world, back to the matter at hand. She was finally meeting the United States! Finally getting diplomatic recognition from her father, well– a father she’d never met before, but a father nonetheless. She wondered how he would greet her… would he be kind, even delighted to see her? She’d never had a father before! Liberia’s head filled with possible scenarios, occupying her attention long enough that she completely missed the doors being opened.
She blinked away all her thoughts in surprise, her face flushing with embarrassment. The United States was sitting in a chair beside a human ambassador, his face an unreadable mask. She basically stumbled into the office, barely not forgetting to close the door behind her. She waved her sweaty, shaking hand; “Hello! I’m Liberia–” Of course they know that! Stupid– “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” She smiled.
The United States, (woah! That was her father! She actually had a father!) smiled at her, a thin, diplomatic smile. He stood up, extending his hand which she took into her own in a handshake. His grip was firm but professional, and Liberia made a mental note to herself to learn how to properly shake someone’s hand.
“The pleasure is all mine, Liberia. I am the United States of America.” Liberia shook hands with the ambassador beside him, and the three promptly sat down to discuss business. By the next hours the three discussed commerce, trade rights, topics that Liberia could honestly care less about. As the meeting came to a close, the only topic she really cared about was brought up.
“The United States would be happy to recognize you as a country, Liberia, as long as you agree to all the terms and conditions we’ve negotiated.” She couldn’t help but beam with happiness as she agreed. Finally, as the meeting came to a close the two countries signed the paper provided for them. Liberia wrote a little heart over the “i” in her name.
The two countries stood up, shaking hands once more as the deal was sealed. The United States and his ambassador began packing up as a sudden realisation hit her; she’d barely actually talked with her father!
The two were already walking down the hallway outside the office as Liberia finished packing everything up and dashed behind them. “I’ll stop by the bathroom before we leave, okay?” The ambassador said, leaving the United States to wait leaning against a wall. The perfect opportunity! “Wait!” She called out, gaining his attention as he turned towards her. Liberia gulped nervously as she stood in front of him, come on… you can do this!
“Um, well, I was uh, thinking that.. Um, maybe we could get to know each other a little more? Since, you’re sorta my dad.” The United States blinked at her slowly. “...Right, I guess you are my daughter.” He said blankly.
“The people at the American Colonisation Society made sure to teach me everything about how to be American! I’d love to visit one day, and maybe you could visit Liberia too! And do you know, father-daughter stuff?" The United States let out a soft sigh, “Look, you’re really nice, but I, well, I don't really know you.” Liberia’s heart sank, what did he mean by that?
“But… I thought you liked me, did I do something wrong?” Had she somehow ruined everything? Was she too straight-forward during the meeting? Too eager?
The United States raised his hands, “I do like you!” That, (she hoped), was genuine. “But I just don’t think I could be a father to you.” She couldn’t pretend that her heart didn’t break at that very moment. “Maybe, I don’t know, a good friend? But I’ve got 34 states to look after, and half of them hate me right now… I’ve got no time for an African country an ocean away.” Any semblance of professionality Liberia had admired had left the man, leaving in its wake, she’d realised, a mere husk of that facade.
Liberia bit back her tears. “Oh.. of course. I mean, I do hope we can still get along.” She said weakly. The United States patted her on the shoulder and gave her that fake, diplomatic smile again. “That’s the spirit. I’m sure we’ll get along splendidly then.” Just in time, the ambassador returned from the bathroom, and with a quick goodbye the two Americans had left.
Liberia’s whole body trembled as she let the tears shamelessly drip down her face. She remembered the members of the ACS in her youth, scolding her for being unprofessional and too “childish.” But for now, she pretended that the soft hands of Auntie Alice were stroking her back, telling her everything was going to be okay.
She only wanted a dad…