I was bouncing up and down while my maids prepared me for the most fabulous day. My loose, turquoise gown was by far a favorite of mine on this trip. I was nothing but confidence and bubbles while talking with the Mayor, excited to see my family. It was too long before we were in the streets, and they went mad when I waltzed down the steps. I noticed a few people pulling me towards them and reaching to touch me. Luckily my new guard, whose name is Walker, was strong and pulled me or pushed them away each time. The screams were deafening. I never thought these people who I had grown up around, had suddenly found all this notice and interest in me.
Once again Maxon had come to my side and guided me down the streets. I felt so much more confidence when he was by my side. It felt perfect, and once again I had that princess urge inside of me.
I was ready to go after the long walk, but little did I know Maxon would be joining me. I hadn't realized that he visited each family with each of the girls. I thought the girls would go by themselves, but there he was in the vehicle next to me, on our way to my house.
My house! My mom and dad and May and Gerad! And of course, there was Maxon. I wondered how my family would deal with him all by himself with no servants and such.
"Excited?" He asks, pulling me back into reality.
"Very!" I reply. Maxon smiles.
"I'm excited to see them again, with less distractions this time."
"I think they are, too."
"I'm sure they miss you, dearly," he says. "And I'm sorry, for putting them, particularly your sister, through…"
"It's fine. It had to be done."
"Yes, but it shouldn't have."
"Maxon, can we please forget this? I'm trying to enjoy this day with my family." I ask. Maxon nods, solemnly.
"Here we are." Maxon announces and I turn to look out the window. Guards are lined up around my front door.
I rush out of the door and knock briskly on the front door, even though it's my own house. Maxon strides slowly next to me and wraps his arm around my waist, but I'm too elated to care.
My mom opens the door swiftly and there she stands, about to start crying.
"Mom!" I exclaim as I embrace her. Maxon pulls away so I don't feel so uncomfortable.
"Oh, America!" she sighs.
"America!" I hear May's faint squeal in the back. I pull back and mom gives a graceful curtsy to Maxon as I go in towards a hurtling May. "America!" She screams again at the sight of me. I run forward and hug her tightly. "We missed you so much!" She mumbles into my shoulder.
"I missed you, too." I reply. I stand back and there is my dad, looking happy and peaceful.
"Hello, kitten," he smiles.
"Daddy!" I fall into his arms.
"We're so proud of you, kitten." My dad says. I sniffle back my sobs and look down at the tugging of my dress.
"Hey Gerad!" I bend over so I'm eye-to-eye. Although he is still small, I can't help but notice how much he has grown since the last time I've seen him.
Gerad grasps my cheeks. "Did you bring more food?" He asks. I laugh and bring him into my chest for a tight bear hug. But then he whispers in my ear as we embrace, "I missed you, Ames."
I stand and wipe my teary eyes and flatten my dress. "Well, it's good to be home." I turn back and see Maxon, acquainted with everybody and standing with his hands clasped behind his back, staring admiringly towards me. I walk over to where he stands and link my arm with his.
"Shall I give you a tour?"
I lead him all around the house and stop at my room. It's so simple, so bare compared to my room in the palace. I can't even remember what it was like to stay here. "You always wondered what my room would look like." I say.
"Yes… I like it." Maxon says looking around.
"Really?" I ask.
"Yes." He replies. "It's so much more simpler than any room I've ever seen. You don't really need all the details do you? As long as you have a bed, I suppose." With that, he sits himself down on my bed. "Cozy."
I grin as I walk to take a seat next to him. "Do you prefer it?" Maxon asks suddenly.
"Prefer what?" I ask.
Maxon hesitates. "This room. Do you prefer it over the one in the palace."
I think about this for a moment. I really don't mind either way, as long there is a bed, and…one other thing.
"I don't really mind. Whichever one is closer to you, that's where I'd rather be." I say, with the most honesty and seriousness I can get out of my giddy emotions. Maxon seems touched by these words and I can only hope it is a small portion to make up for the thousands of beautiful things he has said to me.
His eyes have that sort of gleam and sparkle in them again. And I can't stop looking into them. Then, as we lean closer, I see their depth. And as my lips touch his, my eyes slowly close, catching one last glimpse of his sparkling eyes before they shut.
The sound of giggling pulls us apart. I look out of my doorway and see two sets of eyes peeking through. One disappears quickly and I hear the footsteps grow more distant. Then the last set steps out and reveals May, still giggling.
"Mom said it's time for lunch." May sniggers. Maxon and I stand, and I'm pretty sure I'm blushing.
May holds me back and whispers to me before I can go any further,
"Oh, he's so romantic!" and she skips off.
I sit next to Maxon and May at dinner. The each of them on either side of me, but I am constantly leaning over to whisper to the both of them. Mom watches me with careful, yet approving eyes as she starts pleasurable conversation. Gerad seems to like the food best of all, except for when Maxon brought up sport.
"So which one is your favorite?" Maxon asks.
"I like soccer, your highness." Maxon chuckles.
"No need to calm me that, especially in your own home. So soccer? You think we could have one on one game?" Gerad nods enthusiastically. "Do you think you could beat me?" Maxon grins. Gerad thinks for a moment.
"Maybe…"
"I think you could, Gerad. Maxon's awful at sports." I chip in, but only Maxon and I laugh. I don't think my family knows about Maxon's carefree nature and his ability to understand a joke. "It was a joke…" Then they let out weak smiles and laughs.
We have enough time for tea and a light snack along with conversation afterwards before its time to go. It's all very teary and I am dreading letting them go, but I must. Maxon wraps his arm around my waist again, trying to put as much affection into my system while dealing with the loss of my family's. He guides me into the car and I turn back to wave one more time, before I'm whisked off into a dreamland.
Luckily, they will be at the banquet tonight.
