~America

I cried. I cried and I cried and I cried. I couldn't take the pain. After I put the letters away I just curled up in a ball on my bed, wet, hot tears streaming down my face, never ceasing to end. My heart was gone. Not broken just gone. I couldn't watch his happen. I didn't want anyone else in my place, walking down the aisle to Maxon. I didn't think I'd be the one to let that happen but I am.

After Maxon caught me with Aspen I knew it was over, I just knew. I should've told him before. Stupid America, stupid. Before I was even able to open my eyes, the door clicked and swung open. I looked up expecting it to be my maids or Aspen, but surprisingly enough, it was Maxon, still the love of my life. I got up, expecting to be yelled at again, but I needed to hear his voice at least, even if he hated me. Instead of cruelty in his eyes, they were soft. I also didn't expect that. He passionately walked over stood me up and hugged me. My voice hitched trying to speak, but not being able to.

He just held me in his strong, comforting arms, accompanying me, and I felt something wet on my arms. Was he also crying? He couldn't be. He hated me. I just stood there enjoying the moment before I heard him speak.

"I'm sorry America, I'm so so so sorry. After I stormed out I went to Kriss' room to propose to her. Before I could do so, she sat me down and wanted to tell me something, so what just happened to you and I wouldn't happen to her and me. She told she was a Northern rebel." He explained, still enveloped in me, never wanting to let me go.

Finally gaining the courage to speak, I was able to croak out, "I know. I didn't want to tell you, because I feared I'd look like I was trying to sabotage her. I didn't want you to think of me like that, but it looks like you already hate me."

"Never, darling. Let me finish. She told me —and already dealing with the stress of us— I blew up at her, my temper finally showing. I told her that at least you truly loved me, that at least you were here for the right reason. I screamed at her to get out, to find someplace else to go, except for there. I sat there just sitting and staring before Aspen walked in. He told me you were going to tell me yesterday about you two, and I hope that's true," I nodded my face pressed up against his chest. "He told me that he chased after you, and even though your relationship was over with him, that you were still close in the palace."

I looked up at him and nodded, ever so grateful that that's the complete truth.

"He told me that he still had feelings for you, but that you love me. I could understand how he still had feelings for you, because I've been there. I love you ever so much America. You're everything to me. You're the air I breathe, the water I drink, the food I eat. I need you to survive, and I'm sorry, so sorry, I ever doubted your love for me. Anyways, he told me that he and Lucy are dating, and he was about to break it off between them because of you, when he saw Kriss fleeing down the hall and decided to confess everything to me. I sat there in wonder, believing none of that was true. He left, and I stayed there thinking everything through before coming to you now, which is where we are." He explained everything to me, my heart opening up again, so happy to have him back. It was there when I was dreaming about us finally getting the life we both wanted, when I saw he was down on one knee.

"America, I can't live without you. Even if you weren't here, I feel like I'd still find my way to you. You are everything I've ever wanted in life, and you're everything I've ever needed in life. If you say no to this, I think I'd break down, right here, right in front of you. But we both know that I'd be doing that for pity, but you're too strong to say yes. So please America, this is not an order or demand, please give me the honor of marrying you, or becoming your husband, and of being my queen. Will you marry me?

~End of chapter 1