Hello! This chapter is extremely late and I apologize. It's super difficult to write a 3000 word chapter with writers block! Thank you to all the reviews and this chapter is for...drum roll please...Odelia. Your review helped me realize that there were some things in this story that didn't make sense. I hope this chapter clears it up a little. Enjoy the story!
Disclaimer: The Selection belongs to Kiera Cass.
Maxon POV (before the date)
"I should be dead by now," I sighed, sitting down on the plush sofa. We were going to leave the beach tomorrow and the cabin was a mess. The cleaners were going to get a huge tip.
Eadlyn raised a perfect eyebrow and gave me a look that said don't-talk-to-me.
"What?"
"I asked America out and I'm assuming she told you," I watched as my sister pulled a broad brush through her silky brown hair. Eady could have been a model...if my father didn't kill her before she entered the catwalk. She was very much like a cactus pear; prickly on the outside, but sweet on the inside. She had spent her entire life growing up in a harsh environment. Our father never paid attention to her and our mother was always away, hosting charity dinners and modeling.
"You're right, you should be."
I winced, "Why are you letting me go out with her then?"
"Because! I was watching you and her on the beach. You guys were so cute and oblivious to everything around you! You've changed. Ever since dad started breathing down your neck, you went from nice to unbelievably rude. You never participated in family events and you would have a new girlfriend every week. But ever since she came...it's like you turned over a new leaf. And I admit...I did not want you to get anywhere near her, but she challenges you. She doesn't put up with your bullshit and flirting."
"Well, maybe you would be a jerk if you had someone on your back 24/7. Have you ever thought about how I felt? Just because dad never paid attention to you, doesn't mean that I was basking in the glory. I had to cope with the stress! Whilst you were designing dresses, I was locked in his study, filling out sheets of paper-"
"Hey!" she stabbed her eyeliner in my chest, the sharp tip smashing against my black shirt, "so what? Because Maxon was so stressed, Mr. 'I'm too busy' decided to use girls as an outlet? I'm sorry that Mr. Busy decided to choose girls over family!"
Eadlyn was mad, you could see it in her eyes. Once, when she was 16, she managed to puncture a pillow with her shoe heel. I definitely did not want a heel sticking out of my chest...or that eyeliner pencil.
"Fine, I'm sorry!" I put my arms up in surrender. I had been saying that word a lot lately.
"This is why I like America, she's feisty, unrelenting, independent and mature. Unlike that fake boob, Chelsie."
"Uh, it's Celeste," I hid my grin, Celeste could be overwhelming.
"Are you finished? I still have to choose my outfit."
"Not yet. Does she like me?"
"Who? Celeste? Of course she does! She's practically hanging off you like an extra limb!" Eadlyn wrinkled her nose in disgust.
"No! I mean America."
"I don't know! Why? Do you like her?" It seems as if Eadlyn's urge to find an outfit had disappeared.
"Sort of?" I scratched my neck. I liked her a lot.
"You're heads over heels! I knew it!"
"Can you shut up! Don't tell her I said that!"
"You better not just like her because of her looks! I swear-"
"No! I like her because she's intelligent and headstrong. She does challenge me and I enjoy that. I don't know! I've never felt this way before! Stop smiling!" Good grief! Were my cheeks ever going to return to their normal color? "Her being beautiful is just a bonus."
"I never thought I would see the day! Maxon has a crush! A real one!" Eadlyn cackled.
"Ha ha, very funny."
I exited the room, completely mortified. Heaven help me if she told America.
AMERICA POV
"You didn't!" I pinched the bridge of my nose and watched as Maxon paid the limo driver. Fairy lights twinkled overhead and I could hear the soft burbling of a nearby water fountain.
"Maxon, first the limo and now...this place! I am not going to be able to afford this, and you are not paying for me."
"We don't have to pay a cent, courtesy of the manager, my Aunt Anne," Servers walked up to us, plates of hors d'oeuvres in their hands. I glanced warily at the little treats on the silver dish, this was too good to be true. The venue was gorgeous, candles flickered on the tables and purple wisterias hung from the overhead wooden beams. The restaurant overlooked a vineyard and it felt very intimate and cozy.
"This place is amazing!" I smiled, nudging Maxon on the arm. His brown eyes twinkled with delight.
"You look amazing, darling."
"Don't be such a sap!" I teased, "and don't call me darling."
"Will do darling!" he chuckled as a server came up to us.
"Good evening, my name is Mary and I'll be your server for tonight," Mary beamed, her round little face glowing as she observed our linked arms. Then she gasped.
"Oh my sugar-honey-ice-tea! Is it really Maxon Schreave? You've grown poppet!"
Maxon blushed and he turned to me, "this is Mary, my old babysitter."
"Nice to meet you a miss," I grinned, sticking out my hand. Mary grasped it in her plump fingers.
"It's a pleasure to meet ya sugar. Come on now, better get you seated before you Anne goes after me head!"
...
"I had fun tonight," I whispered, my throat sore from all the laughing.
"Me too," Maxon said with a crooked grin. I think I melted a little inside. Focus America! You're here to protect this guy, not date him!
My mind went back to tonight's dinner. The food was delicious; especially the strawberry tarts, the service was great and Maxon...well...he was amazing. I have never met anybody that I could feel comfortable with...until tonight. He had a completely different personality from the guy at school. This guy was intelligent, witty, funny and sweet. I only hoped that this personality would stick around for a while longer. The car rumbled to a stop and pulled up outside the Academy.
"Would you...I...mean...ah...wait...wouldyouliketogooutonanotherdate?" He asked.
I shut my eyes and tried to ignore the voices in my head, "let me think about it ok?"
I really liked him...but our relationship could lead to serious trouble. I'm a spy, not a normal teenage girl. If anything happened to him, I would never forgive myself...but I couldn't let him go.
"Sure," he replied, getting out of the front seat and opening the door for me. This guy is literally Prince Charming's twin.
"I'll see you tomorrow in class, ok?"
"Yeah, see you," I smiled, kissing him lightly on the cheek before running inside. I did not just do that! Groaning, I unlocked my room door.
"GOT YOU!" A voice screeched, startling me.
"Oh my gosh! Marlee! Don't do that!" I hissed. Eadlyn appeared behind her, waving a torch recklessly, pulling stupid faces.
The both of them pulled me into their room, which was decorated with fairy lights.
"How was the date?" Eadlyn asked, bouncing on her bed.
"Ummm...I've got a test tomorrow, can I go to bed?"
"Americaaaaaaaaaaa! You can't just come into our room without having any gossip!" Marlee whined.
I cocked an eyebrow, "If I remember correctly, I was the one being ambushed and dragged into this room...unwillingly."
"Pssshhhht! Same thing!"
"Fine! It was fantastic," I sighed, taking off my heels. Remind me to never wear shoes that made me 10 cm taller.
"I KNEW IT!" Eadlyn yelled, throwing pillows in the air.
"Well did you think it was going to be bad? The woman's glowing like a light bulb that's about to explode!" Marlee quipped.
"Well now that you've got your information, can I go to bed? It's like midnight."
They nodded, dreamy smiles on their faces. I rolled my eyes and dragged my heavy feet back to my room.
"Hmmph!" I groaned, collapsing on my soft bed. Nighttime; the period of time when a person can escape the adventures of life. Bliss.
...
"Thank you, sir!" I yelled, leaving the classroom.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" A nasally voice snapped. I turned around and met a pair of cold, black eyes. So this was the infamous Celeste Newsome.
"You must be the newbie," she sneered, her top lip curling in disgust.
I nodded, her strong perfume filling my nose. I. Could. Not. Breathe.
"Let's just make one thing clear...no, make that two things. First of all, stay clear of my boyfriend, second, don't even look, touch or speak to me."
"Don't worry, I don't think that there's a person on Earth that would find pleasure in talking to you," I gasped, in desperate need of fresh air.
"Well aren't you a little smart ass? And who do you think you are, throwing yourself all over my boyfriend?"
"I guess I would be a replacement," I narrowed my eyes at her.
Celeste threw her head back and let out a shrill, deafening laugh, "aren't you the cutest! No one can replace me."
"Then I guess I would be an upgrade."
Anger clouded her eyes and her lips tightened. Raising her hand, she grabbed my hair, dragging me into an empty classroom.
"Bitch please, I'm going to say this one last time. Stay. Clear. Of. My. Boyfriend." By now, her fake nails were digging into my scalp and I was downright pissed.
"I don't care who the hell you are but no one touches me like that!" I hissed, punching her nose (as softly as I could without creating any major damages).
"Argh!" she garbled, a little stream of blood flowing down from her nose. I felt a sting as her nails scraped my cheek.
"You'll pay for that!" she screamed, lunging towards me a second time.
"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be able to buy another one," I said, exiting the classroom.
I was going to get in so much trouble, but it was so worth it.
...
"Ms. Newsome wants to press charges, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"She attacked me first," I exclaimed. This was ridiculous; her nose only had a little bruise.
"That may be, but she has evidence of your attack," Georgia frowned, clearly disappointed at my behavior.
"That's physical evidence! I will be mentally scarred for the rest of my life!"
Georgia mumbled something under her breath and buried her head in her hands, "Look, I'm 99% sure I can change Ms. Newton's mind, but this better not happen again. Got it?"
I nodded my head, "don't worry, I wouldn't dream of going anywhere near that girl."
Georgia dismissed me and I left the room.
"Hey! There you are!"
"Hi Lucy," I grinned, I had not seen her for a while, "what's up?"
She blushed, "I'm going on a date with Aspen."
Damn. I was not expecting that. "I thought you were against-"
"dating our assignments. I know! But he's just so amazing!" she gushed.
"He's a nice guy, but I've got my heart set on another guy."
Lucy smiled and pulled her school book closer to her chest, "I don't think August would be too happy about us dating our assignments. I mean, we're on a mission and he might think that we're losing focus."
"The way I see it, our relationship with them would make us want to protect them more," I felt my pocket buzz.
"Hold on," I held up a finger to silence Lucy, "Hey Georgia."
"America, do you know who Daphne Sauveterre is?"
"I think she's in my mathematics course, why?"
"I need you to observe her movements please, she's in the science labs," Georgia said, her voice urgent.
"Sure thing, I've got Lucy with me." Lucy shot me a confused look.
What's going on? She mouthed.
"Good. Please hurry!"
"Georgia! What's going-" She hung up on me.
"We need to find Daphne Sauveterre," I said, breaking into a light jog. Lucy followed my actions.
"What's going on?" She hissed as we turned a corner. I could see the science labs at the end of the hallway.
"I don't know, she hung up on me," I frowned, Georgia wasn't the type of person that would hang up on people.
"America! It's here," she exclaimed, opening the door to lab 1, "she must be in lab 2."
A gust of cold air hit me and I shivered. Pressing a finger to my lip, I motioned for Lucy to stay extremely quiet.
The both of us entered the chemical room, the small area that attached the two science labs. Pushing my ear to the door, I heard muffled voices.
"Lucy, can you access the school's security camera feed?" I whispered. She whipped out her SINGER phone and clicked a few buttons.
"Here," I looked closely at her phone screen. Bingo.
"That's Damon Port and Daphne Sauveterre," I informed her. What were those two up too? Clicking the little gem on my earring, I leaned my head against the door. This little earring was similar to the hearing device I used at the sport tryouts, just an upgraded version.
"Do you have the formula?" I heard Damon's voice.
"I'm making it," that must be Daphne's voice.
"Well can you hurry up!" Damon snapped.
"Don't tell me what to do. Lunch is in an hour anyways!"
"Ok, do you remember the plan?" What was going on? I clicked my other earring, it started recording their conversation.
"Of course! I'll give you this formula and you'll sneak it into Maxon's drink." Oh. My. Gosh. I turned to Lucy, her eyes were full of shock.
The both of us left the room quietly, before bolting to Georgia's office.
"Georgia! Maxon's in trouble!" I gasped, catching my breath. Without saying anything, she grabbed my earring and Lucy's phone.
"I knew it...should've known earlier..." she mumbled. Lucy and I looked at her, completely confused.
"You knew about this?" Lucy asked.
"Not about this particular event, but I've been tracking Daphne for a while now," she murmured, plugging my earring and Lucy's phone into her laptop.
"What's happening? Why were you tracking Daphne?" I asked, watching as she listened to the conversation. Her face went ashen and she groaned.
"Girls, I don't have much information about Daphne or Damon. All I know is that they are dangerous, you need to follow Maxon around as soon as the lunch bell rings. Go." she ordered, placing my earring in a mini zip lock bag. "I'm going to mail this to August, here is another earring for the time being."
I took the earring from Georgia and attached it to my ear. The lunch bell rang.
Lucy and I sprinted to the lunch room, searching for Maxon's sandy blond hair.
"There!" Lucy cried, pointing the lunch line. I weaved through the sea of bodies and watched as Maxon paid for his pasta. No juice.
"Hey, Maxon!" I said. His head shot up and a smile grew across his face.
"Hi America," he gave a cute little wave and led us to our group's table.
I sat down next to Lucy and she gave me a puzzled look.
"Where's the juice?" she whispered in my ear. I shrugged.
"Maybe they chickened out?" I suggested.
"Free juice! Donations appreciated!" A voice called out from behind me. Shoot. I slowly turned around and came face to face with Damon Port's beady eyes.
"Would the lovely lady like a free apple juice?" his smelly breath washed across my face and I gagged.
"I'll take one!" Maxon said, reaching out to grab an orange juice.
"No! Here, have our new pineapple and peach drink. It's much better," Damon snapped, pushing a yellow juice in Maxons drink.
"I'll take one too," I added, grabbing the same drink from the platter, "Oh no!" I purposely dropped my English textbook on the floor. Maxon, being the perfect gentlemen, picked it up for me. As he bent down, I quickly swapped my drink with his. Damon's eyes bugged out and he sent a deathly look.
I mirrored his look, mine being way more deadly, and he closed his mouth.
"Hmm, this is delicious," Maxon smiled, oblivious to the previous events.
"I know right," Damon said in an overly cheery voice, "why America, how's your drink?" He gave me a little smirk.
I slowly unscrewed the juice cap and placed it on the table, "well, I haven't tried it yet but it sure looks delicious!" I replied in a bubbly, cartoon-like voice, waving my hands around. My left hand slapped the middle of the bottle and it's contents flew all over Damon and Daphne.
The both of them shrieked and ran towards the toilets.
"Sorry about that! My arm had a little spasm!" I called out after them. Lucy was shaking with laughter, along with the rest of the group.
"I never liked those two," Eikko boomed, clutching his sides.
"Nor do I," I beamed, dusting my hands. No one messes with a SINGER agent.
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