Being a part of the Elite is truly a mental workout. I don't know how much of this I can take before I explode. I know I have to gain Maxon's trust again, but with him hanging around Kriss all the time I don't know how I am going to watch I've made my decision about who I want to be with, but there is still a chance Maxon will change his mind about me. It seems Maxon is too busy with Kriss to acknowledge me anymore. It almost seems like there is a matter of time before I get sent home leaving the love of my life behind forever. I don't want that to happen because I've worked so hard to get to where I am right now.

I sit out in the gardens on my favorite bench just breathing in the fresh air. Sylvia has us head deep into Princess training so I savor every second I can get out into the fresh air where I can just be America not Lady America. It's refreshing to feel like my old self every once in a while. I sit on my favorite bench and just look at the beautiful flowers blooming in the bright summer sun. It's beautiful, and sometimes I find myself jealous of the gardeners because they get to spend all day everyday out here in the sun.

I turn around when I hear two familiar laughs coming from behind me. I frown as I spot Kriss and Maxon walking towards me, but to entranced by each other to notice me sitting right in front of them. My heart feels like it's about to burst with pain. That used to be Maxon and I walking around the gardens together. I can feel my stomach clenching at the sight of such a happy look on Maxon's face. Does he look at me like that? Am I just old news now here for no reason at all? I don't think I want to know the answer.

I stand wanting to leave before either of the two notice I was ever here. I get about two steps in before my worst fear comes true. I hear a soft feminine voice call my name. I have two choices here, I can walk away pretending that I never even heard her, or I can do what is right and turn around. As much as I hate to admit it I have to face them no matter how much I don't want to. So I plaster a fake smile on my face and turn away. They are both now practically right in front of me. Maxon has an easy smile on his face as he gazes at me, but nothing compared to what it was when he was looking at Kriss. Kriss has a grin on her face that looks way too cocky for my taste. Being Maxon's 'new favorite' is getting in her head. This new Kriss is nothing like the old Kriss that wanted to be my friend.

"Lady America." Maxon greets me. I curtsy, surprisingly gracefully, to him and nod to Kriss.

"Prince Maxon" I say, completely ignoring Kriss after the head nod. It may be immature, but it makes me feel a tiny bit better so I do it anyways.

"We aren't bothering you are we?" Kriss asks in a too sweet voice. Her eyelashes flutter at me, and it takes everything in me to keep my face easygoing and cheerful. I really don't want another fight with Maxon for yelling at another member of The Elite. I have a feeling I am on my last chance with breaking the rules. The best thing for me to do is excuse myself, and go back to my room so I don't do anything I will regret. God knows I've done enough these last few months.

"No, not at all." I say as politely as I can. "I was just leaving to return to my room. I have things to complete for Sylvia." With that I turn on my heel and walk back into the palace. I am silent as I walk up to my room only nodding quickly to passing guards and maids as they pass by me. I hear a door open behind me, and I am pretty sure I know whose it is. I continue to keep walking, though.

"How does it feel?" Celeste's voice calls from behind me. I suck in a deep breath before turning to Celeste. She is leaning against the wall next to her bedroom door with her arms crossed, looking as icy and beautiful as ever. I really am not in the mood to deal with her today.

"What are you talking about, Celeste." I say, exhausted. She just smirks at me.

"How does it feel not to be the favorite anymore? How does it feel to have someone above you, and not be the center of attention all the time? How does it feel to let someone else take over like that? Kriss sure has changed since your stunt on the report don't you think?" The annoying smirk on her face is rather annoying me, but she's right. I don't seem to be Maxon's favorite anymore, and I certainly have noticed the change in Kriss.

"What's your point, Celeste?" I ask, crossing my arms and staring at her with tired eyes. I am not lying when I say I am not in the mood for this today.

"I'm saying you better watch your back before she does something to make sure you never win Maxon back." After that Celeste returns to her room, shutting the door behind her, and leaving me in hallway completely confused. I just shake my head and return to my room.

I have no clue what the heck Celeste could be talking about. Is Kriss actually going to try something to get me eliminated, or is Celeste trying to mess with my head? I never known anymore with this competition. It would be so much easier if Marlee was still here with me. At least then I would actually have a real friend to be around.

A knock on my door interrupts my mental thoughts. Soon my door opens and three of my favorite people in the world enter my bedroom. Anne, Lucy, and Mary are bright and bubbly as ever, but as soon as they see my sad and miserable face they instantly surround me. Lucy wraps her arms around me, and rests her head on my shoulder.

"What's wrong, Lady America?" She asks in a soft comforting voice. I sigh and shake my head trying to keep my emotions to myself.

"Nothing to worry about ladies." It's hard to fight back the tears that I am holding, and soon I give up letting the tears make their way down my cheeks. Lucy hugs me tighter making me want to cry even more.

"Lady America please tell us." Mary asks looking at me with a great sadness that wrenches my heart. Anne shoots her a look that sternly tells her not to push me. I don't know how I can keep anything from these three ladies who help me with so much? I simply can't. So I spill everything about today from Kriss and Maxon all the way to what Celeste said. My maids listen so carefully it's almost comical. They almost can never stop talking unless I am the one talking. I love how they actually listen to what I have to say.

When I am done explaining my maids are sympathetic. They hurry and ready me for bed after such a long and sad day. After they leave I sit at my dressing table and brush put my long hair again. There is another quick knock on my door, but before I can say anything the door opens and in walks the person, my eyes widen and I almost drop my brush.

"Maxon?"

Hey guys! So I decided to do this story because I cannot wait for The One. It is like my most anticipated book of all time right now! I really hope you like the first chapter (sorry for the cliffhanger). I don't exactly have this story planned out, but I can tell you that I am a 100% Maxerica shipper, but they will not be together right away. I hope you guys like it and please review, PM me, and tell me what you think! Until next time!

~MandLMacerForLife