*All characters belong to Kiera Cass*

Chapter 10

Without another meeting on Saturday, I chose to sleep in. The sun had been up for hours before I arose, my feet were sore and I had stomach cramps. After breakfast, they got worse, so I decided to relax today. I sat by the piano, idly hitting keys and playing parts of songs that I recalled by heart. My window was slightly open, allowing a soft breeze to make its way in.

"Lady America," Lucy knocked from the hallway, coming into the room. "You have a guest." Looking down at myself, I realized I still had my pajamas on. Lucy smiled at my expression, "I think you're dressed just fine for this particular guest."

"Who is it?" I asked, curious now.

Just then, I heard some familiar squeals of joy growing louder from the hallway. Barging in, May came at me, throwing her arms around my neck. I nearly fell off the piano stool, but I quickly recovered and hugged her back just as hard. Lucy shut the door with a smile, leaving us alone.

"May!" I laughed, pulling back to look her over. "You've grown taller."

She giggled, "I know! Mom is starting to give me some of your old clothes because mine are too small for me now."

"Really?" I smiled, suddenly recognizing the top and jeans she had on. "Well, they look good on you and I doubt they'd fit me anymore. I think I wore those when I was your age."

"Yes, I think you've put on a pound or two actually. Must be all the sweets they have here," she teased, poking my stomach. Which did not help the cramps.

I smacked her arm, leading us over to the sofa so we could sit comfortably. "I'm not sure it's the best time for you to come, May. As you know, we just got attacked by the Southern rebels."

"Well," she sighed. "I'm not sure if there are any safe places left. They've been attacking everywhere. Remember Mr. Porter's restaurant? It was bombed in the middle of the night last week. And the flower shop on main street was a week before that."

"Did anyone get hurt?" I asked, concerned. We'd eaten at Mr. Porter's when I was eleven. We had some extra money that year and decided to spend it on a special meal out.

She shook her head, "Thankfully not, but it's an unsafe world at the moment."

I frowned, "I know."

"But you and Maxon and all the Northern rebels will make it safe again, I just know it. Your speech was very empowering, even I wanted to join the Northerners!" She sounded happy again. May was always quick to bounce back.

I shook my head, "You're far too young for that, but knowing I have your support means the world to me."

"You always have my support, Ames." She took my hand, "Is it awful being back here? If I were in your shoes, I think I'd cry everyday. You're really an inspiration, being here to help Illea under the circumstances and all."

"Some days are better than others," I muttered.

"I brought you something I read on the trip this morning," she said, getting up to go get her bag. She unzipped it, pulling out a newspaper. Bringing it over, she laid it out in front of me. On the cover was a picture of me from the Report, the caption read, 'America Finds Her Calling: Leading Illea to Peace'.

"See," May said. "You're a hero. Everyone is looking up to you."

"It's not just me," I told her. "It's everyone, all the Northern rebels, our allies, Maxon, and even Kriss."

"But the people listen to you," she replied. "What you say matters, you being here matters, Ames. Besides, the paper hardly mentions Kriss."

"Thank you, May," I told her. "Maybe I should try paying more attention to these things," I laughed, gesturing to the newspaper.

"Not today! Today we have fun!" She giggled, pulling me up. "And you need to get dressed, it's the afternoon for goodness sake."

"Well I wasn't expecting company," I smiled, heading to my wardrobe. I grabbed my only pair of jeans and a shirt. "What are we going to do today, exactly?" I asked, pulling off my pajama bottoms. My mind had previously been set on just lounging around my room. I'd even planned an afternoon nap. With May here, everything I'd thought of was thrown out the window.

As I pulled up the jeans, I tried to do them up but the button wouldn't reach. "Maybe I have gained weight," I mumbled, squeezing in my stomach and pulling with all the strength I could muster up.

May laughed at me, "Just get some other pants."

"These are literally my only pair," I sighed, giving up. "I wish I could walk around the gardens, it wasn't much for exercise but it was something." I explained how we couldn't go outside during her visit as I put on one of my comfier skirts instead.

"I was thinking we could watch a movie in the theater here," May told me, lying on my bed. "Then you can give me an official tour, seeing as how I haven't exactly been through the entire palace. And we can end the day by having a slumber party in your room. We can invite your maids!"

I rolled my eyes, "My maids aren't really mine anymore, May. Well, Lucy is. And...you can't tell anyone, but Marlee is here now too." I explained to her what happened, and she listened with wide eyes.

"So Maxon saved them, basically." She looked thoughtful, "It makes more sense now. How you were able to forgive him. I know you, and I know how much that would mean to you."

"It meant a lot," I agreed. "But that is in the past and we have a movie to watch in the present, apparently."

"Yes!" She jumped up and we soon made our way to the theater. I just hoped I was allowed to use it, I'd only gone there when Maxon was with me after all. The guard there let us in, though, so I'd worried over nothing.

"Wow!" May looked amazed, "Imagine being able to come here everyday. Well, I guess you can. What movie should we watch?"

"You pick," I told her. "I'll make us some popcorn."

She agreed, heading to find a movie. As I got to the machine, I soon realized I had no clue what I was doing. There was oil and popcorn kernels and a large popcorn machine. Maxon had taken care of this last time, and I'd never watched.

"Need some help?"

I turned, seeing Oliver approach me. He was with Henry Wilson, the other younger man from England.

"Why, yes. I do actually," I smiled at them.

"I'll do it under the condition that you let us join you for the film," he grinned.

I nodded, "That seems fair."

I turned to Mr. Wilson as Oliver got to work, "I hope you slept well last night."

"Yes, the rooms were excellent. Better than any hotel I've slept in," he smiled politely. "Oliver and I were wondering around and found this place. I hope you don't mind our intrusion."

"Not at all," I said. "My younger sister is picking the movie as we speak. She'll be joining us. And I regret to inform you that she probably will choose a romantic comedy. They're her favorite."

He laughed, as May came back. I made introductions as she informed us that a guard was putting the film on the projector as we spoke.

With the popcorn ready, we all took a bag. I chose to not add any extra butter, worried about my figure all of a sudden. Maybe I was eating too much and lounging too often. I saw May snicker at me when I declined the butter, but I chose to ignore her.

We took our seats, with Oliver and me in the middle and May on my side. The movie started and I had been right in guessing May's choice. I'm not sure what the guys thought, but I found the movie to actually be more funny than romantic. Meaning I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.

Halfway through, May leaned into me and whispered, "They're both really cute."

She was referring to our guests. "Just watch the movie," I whispered back.

As I pulled away, Oliver then beckoned me towards him. "What are you two girls whispering about?"

I smiled, "The leading man of course, he's very attractive."

"If you enjoy the nerdy type," he commented, making me laugh.

"Shh!" May said, making us both laugh even harder.

We listened, though, sitting back in our seats. The film was nearly two hours and as it came to an end, the guys left us to meet their colleagues for their scheduled conference call with parliament. That made me nervous, knowing how much we were counting on them remaining allies with us. I prayed it would go well.

"Now for the tour," May announced, pulling me along. I showed her all of the places I knew, including the library. I told her about some of the art, the ones that Maxon had talked about when the English had arrived. We ended up at my office some time later.

"I can't believe you work here," she said, taking a seat in the chair behind my desk.

I smiled, "It is a beautiful palace."

"Do you ever miss home?" She asked suddenly.

"I miss you guys," I told her.

She frowned, "Why didn't you come back to us then?"

I sighed, leaning against the desk. "It's complicated."

"Well, we have time." May had crossed her arms, a sign that meant she wasn't giving up easily.

"It was never mom or you or anyone," I told her, meaning every word. "Love is so complicated and I truly loved him, May. I really loved him and I think I still do. I know I still do, actually. When he chose Kriss instead of me, I just felt so defeated. I couldn't go home like that."

"You could have though," she said. "We all would have been there for you."

"I couldn't put that burden on you, not so soon after dad's passing. And I also needed time to myself, to think things over. Everything happened so fast and I felt lost. I know you and everyone else would have helped me through it, but I just needed time on my own."

She nodded, "I'm sorry about Maxon. And maybe wanting to see you was just selfish of me."

I smiled down at her, "It wasn't. And I didn't mean to make it seem like I was pushing any of you away." I sighed, "Going back to the house after dad died, it just felt so weird without him there. I didn't want to feel that again. Everything was just too much."

"I understand, Ames. I just want you to know that I am always going to be here for you," she told me, pulling me in for hug. "And if you want me to kick Maxon or something, just let me know. As a sister, I can totally do that."

I laughed. "Alright, but I don't think it'll be necessary."

We decided to head back to my room for dinner soon after our conversation. She started talking about doing each others hair and nails as we left my office. As soon as we entered the hall, we ran straight into Maxon. He stopped, clearly not expecting to see us.

May curtsied, "Hello, your majesty."

He met my gaze and smiled. Then went back to her, "May, I didn't know you were here. It's lovely to see you again."

"Ames invited me," she said, pointing at me.

"I hope it's alright," I told him. The awkwardness of what happened last night was still hanging in the air. I could feel it, at least. I wasn't sure about them.

"Of course it is," he said. "You're always welcome, May."

"Thank you," she said, giving him a smile.

"America, I need to speak with you for a moment. Would you mind stepping into my office, it won't be long."

"May, can you find your way back to my room from here?"

She nodded, "Yes. I'll get the nail polish ready. And ask for some food. I'm starving, even after all of that popcorn."

I smiled, "Alright."

As she left us, Maxon opened his office door for me. I wasn't sure what he wanted to talk to me about, I just hoped it wasn't going to be about last night.

He closed the door, "I've quickly spoken to the Prime Minister and he said the other parliament members are voting on what to do tonight. We should have an answer early tomorrow morning. I thought you should know."

"That's good," I said, looking at my hands. "I hope they agree to remain allies with us."

"Me too," he replied. There was an awkward pause, making me feel uncomfortable.

"Is that it?" I asked. "You heard May, there's a bottle of polish waiting with my name on it."

He smirked. "I'm glad she's come to see you. What was it she was saying about popcorn? Did you go to the theater?"

"We did," I told him. "I hope it's alright. I wasn't sure if we could without you being there. Maybe I should have asked first."

"Nonsense," he said. "You can use whatever room you like."

"Oh," I nodded. "Thank you."

"I think we ought to talk about last night." The abrupt change in the conversation should have surprised me, but it wasn't like I wasn't expecting him to bring everything up again.

Sighing, I swept some stray hairs from my face, pulling them behind my ear. "I don't think there is anything to discuss that hasn't already been said, Maxon."

"I said some things that I should explain."

"I don't think we should do this again," I quickly told him before he could say anymore. "Kriss and I had a discussion and we settled everything."

"What did she say?" He asked, looking uneasy.

I frowned, "She didn't tell you?"

"No," he said, coming towards me.

"Stop," I stepped back. "Kriss just told me what I needed to hear. I think she's been really stressed out lately and with me acting like I was, it just made things worse. I don't want to hurt her. I also don't want to hurt you. I'm sorry for the way I acted last night. I was flirting with Oliver to make you mad. And it wasn't right."

"It was my fault too-"

"It was both of us, but you and Kriss are together. You're getting married in less than a month. We need to stop doing this, Maxon. Old feelings or not, you are with her now. Not me. I need to remember that and you do too." I felt for the doorknob behind me, "I think you should go spend time with her. I'm going to see my sister. Have a good night, Maxon."

I dashed out, not letting him respond. I couldn't hear it. On my way back to my room, I did feel a little better after speaking with him. Kriss was right about us and I needed for him to see it too. Even if it make my heart ache, I knew I was doing the right thing.

Opening my door, I saw that May had already gotten out the polish and was putting it on a giggling Marlee. Lucy was sitting beside them, blowing on her pink nails.

"Ames!" May greeted me as I came in.

"Your sister is quite the manicurist," Marlee smiled. "She's also been telling us some funny stories about you."

I raised an eyebrow, "Is that so?"

May giggled, "I was telling them about the time you fell face first into the mud on our way to school. Remember how it was picture day? When they came in, mom was furious at you! You didn't even bother wiping off all of the mud from your face, let alone your clothes. And you were wearing white, to top it off!"

I laughed along with them, "I think mom actually grounded me for a week! But dad let me go play outside when mom was busy."

"Dad always let you off the hook," May smiled.

"Well mom's the same way with you," I shot back as I went through the nail polish colors. The red one was catching my eye.

"I can see you now!" Marlee was nearly crying from laughter. "All that mud! Please tell me she ordered some pictures."

"No, but she kept the proof copy," I told her. "It must be somewhere around the house."

"I'll find it and mail it to you," May promised, finishing Marlee's nails.

Lucy just shook her head. May did my nails next, "You always choose red."

"I do not," I told her. "I rarely ever let you do my nails."

"Yes, but when you do, it is red the majority of the time."

Lucy excused herself to go get the food, Marlee joined her. "Just don't touch anything until your nails are dry!" May yelled after them.

She focused on my nails for a moment before asking, "What did Maxon want with you?"

"Just something to do with the English guests you saw earlier," I told her.

"Oh," she muttered. "That's not nearly as exciting as what I thought he wanted."

"And what did you think he wanted?" I was hesitant to ask, but had to.

She smiled slyly at me, "I thought he would tell you that he left Kriss for you. Then you two would make out."

I barked out a laugh, "Make out? Are you serious?"

She shrugged, "With the way you two were in the hallway, I started thinking that what those tabloids were saying were actually true."

"What tabloids? And how were we acting in the hallway?" I questioned her.

She shrugged again, "I just felt an energy is all. And I'm not sure you want to know what the tabloids were saying."

"Just tell me," I mumbled.

"Just all this gossip about him regretting choosing Kriss. How he still loves you. How you still love him. With you coming back to the palace, the reporters have been all over it. But I ignore them, I know you and you'd tell me the truth. Tabloids are just nosy and they're full of lies that are created to make the magazines sell," she said, screwing the lid on the bottle. "I'm done."

My eyes moved to my nails, "Thanks."

"Now you get to do mine!" She laughed.

"What color?"

"I want each finger a different color, like a rainbow," she told me, bringing the bottles over.

"Won't that look…nevermind. Alright, give me your hand, " I ordered. "I wish people would just mind their own business and stop drawing conclusions."

"You're too interesting, I guess."

I shook my head, "The Selection is over, though."

"Well," May said with a slight smile. "Maybe not for some people."

Before I could ask her what she meant by that, Lucy and Marlee came with the food.

"I hope you brought salad," May smiled, eyeing me. "America's watching her weight."

Lucy and Marlee looked at me. "Thanks May," I mumbled, turning to them. "My jeans were too tight this morning. I guess I gained a few."

"We've noticed a little," Marlee announced.

"What? You have? Is it that obvious?" I asked, feeling self conscious.

She quickly went on, "No! I'm sorry! No! It isn't obvious to the eye or anything. We just make your clothes and we've noticed them fitting a bit...different lately."

I sighed, lying on my back. "Maybe I should just eat a salad then."

They all laughed and Lucy came over. "It isn't much, if that helps. Just a smidge. And you're still beautiful, my lady. Weight doesn't matter anyways. You were too skinny to begin with anyway."

"I think I like food too much to actually just each salads anyway."

"Then it's your lucky day then," Lucy smiled. "We brought seafood and pasta."

"With dessert, of course," Marlee added.

"I hope you'll join us," May told them, blowing on her nails. "Please!"

"Yes, stay," I smiled.

They agreed after a bit more coaxing and soon we were dining on my small table. The food was incredible. With the food tasting so delicious, I soon forgot all about dieting.

Marlee told us about married life, Lucy caught us up on her and Aspen's relationship, as well as how Anne and Mary were doing. May updated us on my family, going on about how cute Astra was. It made me want to see them all. I promised myself that I would as soon as I could. I recalled May's words and realized that maybe going home would be a good thing after all. Even if it was just for a visit.

Finishing up, the girls took the dishes away, leaving us for the night. "That made coming here worth it," May said, referring to the food.

"Hey! What about me?"

"You're just a bonus," she teased, making me laugh.

"Well I'm glad you came," I told her. "I really missed you."

"I missed you too," she replied, sounding sleepy.

"We should change for bed. You must have had a long day," I told her.

I got ready in the washroom, brushing my teeth and changing into a nightgown. As I changed, however, I started to feel cramping in my lower stomach again. They went away sometime after May had arrived, so it was annoying to feel them again. "Ahh," I cried out.

"Ames?" May's voice sounded concerned.

"It's fine," I called back. The pain got better after a few minutes. Or I just got used to it. I figured it must have been the food or something. Maybe it was that time of the month. I barely kept track of my periods, as they were very random. I'd go several weeks without one, at times.

I came out, letting her go in. "What happened?" She asked, pausing at the doorway.

"Nothing," I said, waving her off. "Just some cramps."

"Ahh," she said, her eyebrows shooting up. "Alright then."

I layed down in my bed, pulling the covers up high. Laying on my side seemed to help the cramping. May came back moments later, turning off the light. "Good night," she mumbled, climbing into the other side of the bed.

"Sweet dreams, May," I smiled, happy to have her here.

We must have fallen asleep pretty quick. I was having a weird dream about dancing in the gardens, when I suddenly woke up. My stomach was hurting me again, and I felt hot under the blankets. I got up, making my way through the dark. Finding the washroom, I turned on the light after closing the door as I didn't want to wake up May.

My legs felt sticky and as I looked down, my eyes widened in shock. They were covered in red, blood was dripping down the insides. The cramps suddenly made me kneel over in pain. I gasped, clutching my stomach.

"America?" I heard May's voice call for me.

"Help," my voice was rough sounding. "May, come help me."

I heard her footsteps rushing to me and she pulled the door open. As soon as she saw me, her face became as pale as a ghost.

"What happ..happened?" She asked, still at the doorway. Frozen.

The cramps made me cry out again. She seemed to snap out of it, coming right to me and helping me up. "America, talk to me. What's going on?"

"I don't know," I grunted.

"We need to get you to the doctor," she said, pulling me over toward the room again. "Just wait, I'll turn on the light."

She left for a moment. Within seconds, the lights turned on. I gasped. My bed sheets had some blood all over the side I was laying on.

"Come one," May grabbed me again. "It's going to be alright."

When we came out of my room, a guard came rushing toward us. "Lady America, what happened?"

"She needs to go the doctor," May told him.

"I don't know what happened," I bent over as another cramp came.

"Quickly," May said with urgency in her voice.

My feet were suddenly off the ground, as the guard decided to pick me up and carry me. May held onto my hand as we quickly made our way to the doctor. When we passed another guard, the one that was carrying me told him to go tell the doctor we were coming. I saw him race down the hall.

As another cramp hit, I grunted in pain.

"Ames!" May cried out, holding my hand tighter.

"It's okay," I said, trying to calm her. What was happening with me?

We reached the medical wing and I saw that the doctor and the other guard were there to greet us.

"Lady America," the doctor rushed towards us, concern in his eyes. He looked up at the guard that was holding me, "Set her down on this bed."

The guard carried us inside a small room, gently put me down on the bed. May stayed right by my side.

"When did this start?" The doctor asked.

"Not too long ago, I think. I woke up with cramping and then saw all the blood," I grunted through the pain.

"What's wrong with her?" May asked him, tears running down her cheeks.

"Can everyone leave the room while I examine her please?"

The doctor pushed everyone out, but May was crying. "It's fine, I'll be alright," I gave her the best smile I could muster up.

The doctor looked over at her, "You're her sister?" She nodded. "I can see the resemblance. I need you to wait outside and be strong for her. I promise to let you in as soon as I can."

She listened, giving my hand one last squeeze. As soon as everyone was out, the doctor lifted my nightgown to examine the bleeding.

"Lady America, tell me the pain level on a scale of one to ten," he said.

"I'm not sure, maybe a six or seven," I said. "It woke me up, the cramps. I had them earlier during daytime, but they weren't this bad."

He nodded, "Now I need you to be very honest with me about this next question."

"What is it?" I asked, concerned.

"Is there a chance you could be pregnant?"

I wasn't expecting that. "Uh," I hesitated. "No, I mean. I only, we only…"

"I'm a doctor and I promise I am only asking so I can assess the situation correctly. Everything in here is confidential," he told me. "I need to know so I can assess you correctly."

"It's impossible," my body was shaking. "We only did it one time." I bit my lip.

"Well that can be enough," he said. "I need to do a test, to see. If it is a pregnancy, bleeding can be normal but I will have to examine you to make sure you and the fetus are alright."

I nodded, my ears ringing. A fetus? As in a baby? Inside of me. Oh my gosh, this was not possible. He was wrong, absolutely wrong. It was just a really bad menstrual cycle or something. I couldn't be...

"Lady America," he said my name, I didn't think it was the first time he called it. My eyes focused on his. "I need you to be brave, alright? Like the lady I know you are. Can you do that for me?"

I swallowed, "Okay. I mean, yes."

"Good," he said. "Let's do this quickly."

The doctor looked me over, doing some tests that were a bit more invasive than I was expecting. But the thought of having a baby inside of me was keeping my mind occupied. He let me wash up when he was done, sending May to get me some fresh clothes. She came in while the doctor was out, checking over the lab reports from the blood work he did. Changing into fresh clothes made me feel slightly better.

May sat on the bed next to me. "What's going on?"

"I'm not sure yet," I said to her, my voice sounding off.

"I'm really worried about you," she said, resting her head on my shoulder.

I squeezed my eyes, feeling overwhelmed and unable to speak. Tears were forming and I couldn't stop them from falling down.

"Ames?"

"I have to tell you something," I sniffed.

She pulled back, turning to me. She frowned, "What? What is it?" The concern in her voice made me cry more. "Oh no," she said, hugging me. "Tell me."

"Maxon and I slept together," I told her in barely a whisper.

"What?!" She sat straight up, looking down at me. Her eyes were wide with shock.

I went on, needing to get it all out before I lost my courage, "It was during the Selection. He asked me to marry him and we spent the night together and we…" I looked away, crying harder. "And the doctor says that I might be…"

Her hand went to my cheek, pushing it so I was facing her again. "You can tell me. What is it?"

Another sob came out, "He thinks that I'm...pregnant."

"Whoa," she let out a breath she'd been holding in. "I mean...whoa."

I gulped, "Yeah. Whoa."

Her eyes moved to my stomach. A knock came from the door and the doctor came in with some papers in his hand. "Lady America," he greeted me. "I have some news, would you like your sister to leave?"

"No," I said, grabbing hold of her hand. "She can stay."

He nodded, closing the door. "What you're experiencing is implantation bleeding and it's nothing to be too alarmed with. We'll just have to keep an eye on it, considering how much you bled and the severity of the cramping. From my examinations and the testing, you are in the first trimester of your pregnancy. Around three to four weeks or so. I want to go over with you and set up a proper appointment this week. It's late though, and I think you need your rest." He took of his glasses, "I think I am under the impression that this was a surprise for you. And I want you to know that if you have any questions, you can talk to me at anytime, Lady America. And, again, with you being my patient I promise complete confidentiality."

May and I looked at each other, her hand squeezing mine. "Thank you," I told him. A faint buzzing in my ears started. A numbness washed over me, and I was talking as if I were on autopilot, the words just coming out. "You're right though, it's late. I'll come talk with you later this week."

"You can spend the night here, if you wish."

"Okay," I said. "Thank you."

He left the room. May turned to me. "It's going to be alright, America. I promise. Everything it going to be alright, you'll see."

I nodded. "Thanks, May."

She laid down beside me, resting her head on my shoulder. "I know that it's all very shocking," she said. "But once the shock wears off, you'll see that everything is going to be fine. I'm here for you, no matter what. I'll stay as long as you need me to. You can even come home with me. Whatever you decide, I'm your sister and I'll stand by your side, no matter what."

A shiver ran over me. I was so not ready to be thinking about what was to come right now. My mind was buzzing with what the doctor had said.

I kissed the top of May's head, grateful that she was with me. I think she knew that I didn't feel up to talking about it just yet. So we laid in silence and I soon heard the soft sound of her even breathing. My hand slowly made its way to my stomach, touching it as if it were breakable glass. And that was what I did instead of sleep that night, I just kept a hand over my stomach thinking about how there was life in there now. A baby. Maxon's baby.