Ok guys! I hear you! Time is a blessing and a curse; sadly I never find enough of it to write a long enough chapter... I try to write as much as I can in my free time. I also don't think its a part of my writing style. I find that I simply can't write long chapters. It feels like the story is dragged on and I'm not sure. I'll try to write longer chapters but no promises. As always reviews and constructive criticism are welcome and are great inspiration...enjoy! ;D

"You all are wonderful, now Id like to get to bed so.."

"Of course miss" And with that my maids left my room. I sighed and walked out onto the balcony. Everything was so peaceful when everyone was asleep. I couldn't help but smile when I thought about today. After they wrapped up The Report, I was embarrassed. I couldn't believe the things I had said aloud for the whole country to hear! I wanted to run out of the studio but I knew Silvia would never allow it. As I was making my way out, someone grabbed me from behind.

"You have been ignoring me, my dear" I turned around and made a fake pout.

"I'm not your dear"

He chuckled as he pulled me close.

"Well, what would you prefer? Darling? Sweetheart? Honey?"

"America will do just fine" My voice climbed an octave and my cheeks burned. Everyone was staring at us, including the King and Queen. I don't know if he noticed but if he did, it didn't bother him. Here he was openly flirting with me! He leaned down to press his forehead against mine.

"You didn't tug you ear" he whispered accusingly.

"I didn't notice" I wasn't convincing anyone. My feet were turning into jelly. I couldn't form coherent thoughts anymore. All I could think about we're his eyes... His deep, dark brown, eyes which could read me so easily. He put his mouth next to my ear and said, "liar"

And I felt the heat rising to my cheeks, to the very tips of my ears. I must have been as red as my hair! But no, I wasn't going to let him win this. I put on weak excuse of a smile and replied.

"Lying is incredibly fun your Highness. Now I do believe you mentioned some important matters you had to attend to, Am I correct? I won't be one to keep you from your work."

"Hrmm I suppose I'll be off then" and then he kissed me. Just like that, in front of everyone! With dozens of cameras everywhere who had most likely captured this moment. They may have even captured the entire conversation perhaps! I sighed, I would be the talk of the day for sure tomorrow, maybe even the talk of the week! A knock on the door pulled me away from my thoughts. I cleared my throat.

"Come in!" I called. The door flew open and standing at the door frame was Aspen.

"Why are you doing this to me Mer?" He cried as he made his way closer to me.

"Aspen, I ca-"

"You don't have to say anything. Just hear me out on this America. I love you" I was shocked. Had he forgotten everything? Had he forgotten that he was a guard and I was part of the Elite? He could get himself killed if he kept at it like this!

"America, Please. You don't love him."

"Aspen! Listen to me! You don't even know what love is!" I lowered my voice

"We could get caught. You shouldn't even be in here right now. If you aren't thinking about yourself, fine. But at least think about your family. Would you really want to sentence them to lives as eights just because you forgot the rules of the Selection?"

Aspen ran a hand through his hair and sighed.

"You said forever."

"Wha-" He interrupted me.

"You said you would wait for me forever Mer."

"I'm not that girl in the tree house anymore Aspen. I-" And suddenly his lips were on mine. I shoved him away, but I did nothing to sway him. His kiss was fierce and desperate and demanding. When he finally pulled away, I was left speechless. But really what was there left to say?

"Goodnight Lady America" He turned and walked out of my room as if nothing had occurred between us. As if he hadn't kissed me. As if his words didn't hurt me. As if nothing was wrong.

But something was wrong.

And I was left to question everything in the world.

I was left to ponder everything I had ever known.

It's funny how a day can change in a matter of minutes.