Author's Note

Hey, guys! This is a new story that I am starting to write. I will try to post at least twice every week, but let's see. Those who read my other story, I Am America, don't worry, I will finish it before I completely devote myself to this story. Just clarification. This is a modern AU, and Clarkson is Maxon's older brother, not his father. I won't spoil anything else. Enjoy!

I couldn't believe I had gotten in. Into the prestigious Illéan University. They only let in one person with a full scholarship, who would've guessed it'd be me. I hadn't ever thought I would have gotten in, and though I didn't want to leave my family, I knew an opportunity like this would be hard to pass up. And though it broke my heart I had to leave, my family (with the exception of my brother Kota) supported me fully,

The same could not be said about Aspen. I didn't know who had been more heartbroken after I told him, but it was obviously me because one day after he broke up with me. He talked about how I went ahead and he would stay where he was, and that I had a chance to a life I never even dreamed of.

But I didn't hear that. I heard his first sentence, I don't think I can do this anymore. He couldn't do it. He was going to give up everything we had because I was leaving. These kisses, the thousands of times he whispered 'I Love You'. Was all that out the window because I was leaving? Yes, I'd be higher in society, but did he think I cared. I would give everything for him. But he couldn't do it anymore. Well, fine.

I wouldn't make him do anything. I didn't cry. I didn't feel. Instead, I grabbed a box of all the little mementos and gifts he had given me from my suitcase. I wanted nothing from him. Shoving it into his hands I slammed the door closed in front of him before he could say another word. I didn't need him. I would start a new life.

I brushed the memory away as I hugged my little sister May.

" Do you think you'll meet Maxon?" I sighed.

May had an immense crush on the son of a business tycoon, who happened to also go to the Academy. He hadn't ever done anything too big, but be the son of Schreave, CEO of a billion dollar corporation, I did my best not to roll my eyes.

" I don't know, May. But if I do, I promise you I will take a picture with him for you," I internally groaned.

Why did I just say that? I didn't want to take a picture with the posh, primped boy. But anything for May. I looked down at her, she was smiling showing sparkly white teeth. With one last hug, I was walking towards the car waving. Choruses of 'Bye', 'We love you' and 'Good luck' followed me as I tried not to tear up.

I stepped into the posh car, waving out of the tinted car. The waved back and I let the smallest tear slip out of my eye. I was going to do this for my family. And I didn't need Aspen to do it.

FIVE DAYS LATER

To say she didn't like the University was an understatement. She had made one friend on the way there. Her name was Marlee. She was from a neighboring state. And she had been kind to her while some of the other girls on her flight hadn't

And though the University seemed beautiful at first, I only saw it as a glorified prison. At arriving, she had received her schedule, building, and room. She was in the Selected building. Well, that was an odd name for a building. The only thing she liked was the garden, but they weren't allowed to go there, not during orientation.

And now, staring at her whitewashed ceiling, she was feeling desperately homesick. Between the planes, buses, and orientations she hadn't had time to think about home. But not that she could….

And even though it was past curfew (which was a stupid thing to have, if you ask her), she wondered if they would let her outside. She gasped breathing hard. No, she needed to go outside. She needed air. She needed to be outside. She slipped out of bed, pressing the palm of her hand onto her chest.

She ran down the flights of stairs into the main lobby that was connected to the rest of the dorms. And in between the dorms and class areas was the courtyard. There were guards at the gate of the courtyard. Why would they need to guard a garden? She ran towards it, but one of them stopped her.

" Miss, it's past curfew, I'm gonna need you to go back to your room," one of the guards said, there was no emotion behind his voice. What did she expect? Why were they all so blank?

" Please, I need to go out," my voice had gotten desperate. I needed to go out, I was suffocating. Suffocating in this stupid place. This stupid, stupid place that was supposed to be her home for the next 10 months.

" Please…."" she started to beg again when she heard a voice behind her.

" Let her go," the voice said. I didn't hear the rest of the conversation, but the guards let her go. She sprinted into the gardens. It's only when she felt the cold wind on her face did she realize that she had been crying.

She collapsed near a bench taking in mouthfuls of air. She put her head between her knees. Breathe, America, Breathe. She sighed, her tears slowing. Suddenly, she felt a hand on her back. She gasped moving away from a surprised...Maxon?

She was now facing to face with the crush of her sister and probably all girls age 14-25, Maxon Schreave. He was smiling at her with that signature smile, and he actually seemed...concerned. She wondered why a person like him would care about someone like her?

" Are you alright, my dear," he asked gently, smiling again. The smile that made her understand why so many girls fell at his feet without thought. But she didn't like him.

" I'm not your dear," she snapped. He raised his hands in defeat and she buried her head in her knees again.

" Are...are you alright." She looked up at him with puffy eyes, confused. Even in the dim light of the moon, she swears she could see him blush. " I'm sorry. I'm not very good with crying women."

" I'd think you had plenty experience with women." The blush deepened.

" No, I have only had one serious relationship," he looked at her and she thought she saw pain in his brown eyes. " What is your name, de…" He stopped as I glared at him.

" America." He grinned.

" Like the country."

" Excellent observation skills, Maxon." He stared at him.

" What?"

" Well, most people say Maxon, sir." I raised my eyebrow, I guess I was right. He was a primped prince. He cleared his throat.

" But please, call me Maxon. It's nice to be treated like a normal person." Or maybe...not? I gave him a small smile. And he smiled wide.

" Well, we must get back inside, but I'll tell security to let you come out whenever you want." He started to walk away when she touched his arm. He looked back at her, eyes alight with something she couldn't place.

" Thank you."

" No problem, Miss. America." I didn't even get to correct him before he left. I smiled. Maybe this wouldn't be as bad as I though. Maybe, the primped prince boy could actually be my friend.

How was it? Don't forget to REVIEW for suggestions and if you think I should continue with this. I know not everything is exact, but I hope you still liked it. Love you all! I will update soon. ;)

-alunarselectedreader