My version of how things must have gone after the Halloween party in The Elite. If Marlee hadn't got caught, if America and Maxon hadn't got into a fight over that and Maxon hadn't fallen for Kriss. This is my version of their Happily Ever After.
Once the fireworks ended Maxon gave us a warm speech about how lucky he felt of having met us all and every time he mentioned the word wife he glanced at me with the corner of his eye, I couldn't help but grin every single time. Once his speech was over it was our turn. Celeste came first, as usual, grabbing Maxon's biceps and telling him how much she appreciated being part of the Elite and being considered to be the next Princess of Illea. Kriss gave me an exasperated look when Celeste said the word Princess, we all knew she meant herself, but I knew better so I didn't care what she intended to say. Then it was Natalie's turn, and Elise's, followed by Kriss and finally Marlee. I listened with great interest at the latter's speech because she was my best friend and because she never mentioned her affection towards Maxon. She described her happiness at having met us and making such good friends, her stay in the palace, how she would always remember that but not even once did she talk about the Prince or their time together. I made a mental note to talk to her about it later, because after tonight's events I couldn't wait to talk to her.
The after party in the balcony went on late into the dawn. When we were heading to our rooms I asked Marlee to stay behind so we could talk for a little bit longer. It was hard to get her attention because she kept looking down the hall as if she was expecting someone. She said that she was tired and wanted to go straight to bed. I knew it was not right for me to ask her to miss some precious hours of sleep because I needed someone to talk to, especially when May was in my room fast asleep, but I didn't care, I wanted to share the news with my best friend so badly that I insisted until she had agreed to stay with me.
Once the others started to go up the stairs we took a turn and headed to the gardens. The castle was quiet and almost empty after the party, we only encounter one guard on our way, Officer Woodwork. I was running into him quite a lot lately, I must learn his first name, next time I'll ask him. The guards that were posted on the double doors didn't even offer resistance to our late walk on the gardens, they were used to it by now.
"So, will you tell me why have you dragged me to the gardens at this insanely late hour?" Marlee asked, clearly irritated. She must have been really tired, I thought and felt a tiny bit guilty.
"You know how I danced with Maxon tonight…" I couldn't think of the exact words to tell her, what if she did have feelings for Maxon and I was stomping all over them. I was such a terrible friend, I had never bothered to ask her.
"Yeah, we all danced with him America. Why was your dance so important? Did he mention an up- coming elimination? Is it me? I can't leave the palace! I don't want to!" She started sobbing, so I rashed my words.
"No, he … " I couldn't find my words.
"America, please tell me what he told you." She was clearly suffering.
"He kindofproposedtome" I mumbled, not sure I had made any sense.
"He WHAT?" She was in absolute shock. "Are you telling me that this Selection is finished?" Her relief was palpable, was she really that happy to go home? She had just said she didn't want to leave the palace, so I didn't understand her reaction at all. So I did what I could, Ianswered her question.
"Yes, and no. Yes, he has made his choice and well, he has chosen me." I felt myself blushing as I said the words. "But he wants to give me some time to adjust to the idea of being a Princess and all, so we'll have to pretend for a little bit longer that we are still in the Selection, does it make any sense? Are you angry with me?" Her face had gone from relief to happiness to sadness. I couldn't decipher her reaction.
"Oh my Gosh America no! I'm so happy for you. And Maxon obviously, you just took me by surprise that's all!" She seemed genuinely happy for me. " Does this mean I am standing in front of the future Princess and Queen-to-be of Illea? I can't believe it!" That sounded more like the Marlee I knew.
"Well, yes" I felt a little bit embarrassed with my soon to be title. It was something that I knew would take me some time to getting used to. I heard Marlee going on and on as how happy she was and that I would make for an outstanding Queen and even better one than Queen Amberly, which I doubted it but she was so happy that I kind of got carried away by her excitement.
We talked for what felt like hours, until I couldn't keep my eyes open and neither could Marlee. We dragged ourselves to rooms, it was absolutely painful to go up the stairs, when I'd be Queen I'll build a lift for these occasions. When we got to the second floor, I realized I hadn't asked Marlee the most important question of all's.
"Marlee" I whispered and walk towards her. " I forgot to ask you, if you'd still be my MOH" I could see the tears building in her eyes.
"Of course America, I wouldn't miss it for the world." She said while hugging me with such a strength I wouldn't have thought her capable of at time insanely late hour.
"Thank you, that means a lot to me" I said with tears in my eyes too. "See you tomorrow in the Women's Room" and I waved in her direction.
When I got to my room I crushed into my bed but and I thought to myself that even though I was a little bit terrified of everything that was coming my way, I knew everything would turned out fine as long as I had Marlee by my side.