A/N: I AM SO SORRY!
Yes, I know, you guys totally hate me for not posting in an eternity, and I don't blame you. I've been super busy, and I've had a bad case of writers' block.
Sorry X a million.
PSA: I fixed the weird format of this chapter! Sorry to those who had to read it in weird form.
ONE MORE THING: If you have anything you want to see, or suggestions, please leave them in the reviews! Thanks!
Until next time, xoxo, Lily
MAXON:
I couldn't help the huge grin that took over my face as I walked to breakfast. After all of my efforts, America had finally said she loved me back. As much as I was overjoyed, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to go wrong. Something had to go wrong. Everything was just too perfect this morning.
I was right. That something happened to be my father.
"Someone's in a good mood this morning," my mother commented with a knowing smile. I hadn't spoken with her about my argument with America at all, but somehow she always seemed to know.
"Unless you've finally eliminated that horrid Five once and for all, I don't see any reason to be so happy," my father grumbled, shoving a forkful of food into his mouth.
"Clarkson!" my mother exclaimed, her tone hushed but firm. "Why would you say that?"
I glanced across the table at America. She looked even lovelier today than usual, in a pair of jeans and a light blue, fuzzy sweater. Her hair was pulled back from her face, and when her eyes met mine, they were full of light. I couldn't help but smile at her beauty.
My father noticed.
"I was sure yesterday that you'd finally seen reason and gotten rid of her. Clearly, that is not the case." I flinched.
"Father, I've told you before, she's-"
"This is not the place to be having this conversation," my mother interrupted, visibly upset at her husband for bringing up such a topic. My father glared at America, and returned to his food.
"You're right, dear. We shouldn't be having this conversation." He gave me a pointed look that finished the sentence: This conversation was pointless because I was incompetent.
"Yes, sir," I muttered.
Well, there went my good morning.
AMERICA:
The king glared at me from across the table. It was obvious he'd thought that the icy tension between Maxon and I yesterday meant certain elimination for me. He looked at me as if I was something disgusting he'd just found on the bottom of his shoe. Well, he was going to have to deal with the fact that I was here to stay.
Kriss had clearly thought the same thing as the king. She looked at Maxon and I wistfully.
"You seem happy today, America," she commented, trying to seem nonchalant as she picked at her food.
"Just a good day, that's all," I replied, brushing off her queries.
"So I guess nothing's wrong between you and Maxon, right?" she asked, her tone trying too hard to be casual. I could still hear the note of hope in her voice that she was wrong.
"Nope, everything's fine." I gave her a sunny smile. "And you?"
"Oh, we're good. I mean, better than good. Great really," she rambled. Celeste snorted.
"You two are nauseating to listen to. I know both of you are convinced you're going to win." Kriss and I shared a look, and then stared at Celeste. She laughed. "I mean, it's like you think I'm just going to go down without a fight. You find each other your biggest competition." She stood up, brushing off her form fitting dress. "You've forgotten who you're dealing with."
She excused herself. I watched her retreating figure, her swaying hips, her confident strut. It was true. I hadn't considered Celeste a real threat anymore. Apparently Kriss hadn't either.
Maxon loved me, I knew that. But with one glance at the king, and Maxon's face, which had fallen since the beginning of breakfast, I knew it wasn't going to be easy convincing the king to let me stay.
But maybe I knew someone who could help.
Once breakfast was over, I ran upstairs and rummaged through my things. It had to be here somewhere, I couldn't have lost it, could I? God, pull yourself together, America. I pressed my hands to my temples, closing my eyes. Where had I put it?
Finally, I found it, pressed between the pages of a book in my drawer.
I stared at the small slip of paper, hoping that maybe if I looked at it long enough, the answer would be clear as to whether or not I really should call the number scrawled on it. Taking a deep breath, and reminding myself that if I wanted to be the One, I needed some help. Slowly, I spun the old-fashioned dial on the phone in my room. I held my breath as I waited for someone to pick up.
"Hello?" an Italian accent greeted me. I took a deep breath.
"Hi, Princess Nicoletta? It's me, America. And I need your help."
***Two Days Later***
Today was the day that the official province visits began. There had been countless promos before, things like meeting fans and helping out at events. This was on a whole different scale. I could tell that the end of the Selection was nearing, and that this would be one of our last chances with Maxon. Celeste was first, then Kriss, and then me. I was excited to spend time with my family, but a little scared for Maxon to visit. Our little house was so different from the huge, luxurious palace. It wasn't the first time I was nervous that I wasn't good enough.
I was, however, looking forward to one whole week without Celeste. I planned to make use of that precious time. I had talked to Nicoletta on the phone for an hour two nights ago, and I had hung up with a smile on my face, happy that I finally had a plan to change my status here around the palace.
Along with Maxon and Celeste, Zach and his family were leaving, too. I didn't even want to think about how much I was going to miss him. We'd become so close over the past few weeks, and I didn't know how I was going to survive the rest of the Selection without him. I had no idea how long Maxon was going to drag this out; I was almost sure he had picked me the night in my room. But I'd barely seen him since. It didn't worry me too much, because I knew I'd have him all to myself in a few weeks.
Finally, the morning of departure had rolled around. Zach was leaving in the afternoon, Maxon and Celeste were taking off in the morning.
"Do I get a goodbye?" Maxon was in my doorway, giving me a mischievous smile.
"Maybe," I replied, wrapping my arms around his neck.
"Maybe! Have I not even earned your words of farewell?" Maxon exclaimed in mock outrage.
"Nope," I said against his lips. He kissed me, long and lingering, his hands pressing into my lower back. He kicked the door closed without breaking the kiss. My arms were securely around his neck, secretly wishing that he never had to leave.
"How about now?" His breath against my ear sent shivers down my spine. I laughed lightly, playing with the collar of his shirt.
"I'll miss you," I said wistfully.
"Imagine that! America Singer, missing me!" He grinned at me. I rolled my eyes.
"Don't get used to it," I teased.
"I'll miss you, too, darling. Don't worry, I'll be back before you know it."
I hope so, I thought. As much as I wanted to deny it, I couldn't help but worry what would go on during the other girls' visits.
He smiled, brought my hand to his lips, and kissed it, making my heart stutter spastically. I gave him one last hug.
"Bye, Max."
"Goodbye, America."
MAXON:
What I don't tell America is that at the end of these three weeks, I'm supposed to choose. This is my last chance to figure out who I'm going to spend the rest of my life with, and I am stressing out.
The engagement ball was already being planned for a week after the last province visit, America's. I got permission from the advisors to propose in private, and then do a public proposal during the ball.
And even with all this, I don't know what to do. Hearing that America really does love me changed my perspective on a lot, but I still haven't figured out how to convince Father that she's fit for the position of princess. Kriss has been different since the last rebel attack, not really talking to me and always seeming fragile. I didn't know if we even had chemistry, and to be honest, she wasn't strong enough for the throne. And then there was Celeste, who was gorgeous, but I knew she only coveted the crown, not my heart.
"Maxon!" a shrill voice called. I suppressed a groan. Speak of the Devil.
"Yes, Lady Celeste?" I put on a smile.
"We're almost late!" Her smile was like a snake's; clever and calculated.
I extended an arm for her to take. I had to keep reminding myself that I only had to get through two weeks until America.
Two weeks couldn't come fast enough.
AMERICA:
In half an hour, we were supposed to meet in the front hall to say goodbye to Zach and his family. Knowing this, Zach and I planned to meet earlier so we didn't have to say goodbye in front of everyone.
"I can't believe you're leaving!" I whined as we walked through the garden. It was finally getting a little warmer outside in the Angeles sunlight.
"Don't worry, Lady Singer. I'll be back before you know it, only then I won't be calling you Lady, I'll be calling you Princess." He winked, and I groaned.
"I don't know how you're so sure of that. Who knows if I'll ever see you again!"
"Oh Mer, I'll make sure I see you even if you end up with some Eight." He put his arm around me. I didn't mind when he called me Mer. Now that I was sure that what I had with Aspen was over, the name didn't bother me as it used to. Also, I had no romantic feelings towards Zach at all. He was my best friend, nothing more. "Although if that were the case, I'd probably have you shipped over to England, because I don't think anyone deserves to be treated that way." He sighed. "I really do think your idea about the castes was right. Maybe not so fine tuned, but Illéa needs change. It needs you."
I looked at him. He was serious, all traces of mockery or joking gone from his face. I gave him a hug, breathing in his signature scent of cologne and something just Zach.
"What am I going to do without you, Your Majesty?" I said in a joking tone, but I was blinking back tears. What if Maxon really didn't choose me, and I never saw Zach again? At least I knew I was going to see Maxon again, but with Zach, I had no clue. He rubbed my back and gave me a little smile.
"The real question is, what am I going to do without you?" He let out a breath, leading me to a bench. "I've been trying to not think about what's left for me back home. Which is nothing." I gave him a quizzical look, and he sighed.
"Remember when you told me about your asshole of an ex-boyfriend?" he started.
"Hey, he's not –"
"I mean remember when you told me you came here to avoid him. Well, I came here to avoid someone, too." I stared at him in shock, amazed that Zach, carefree, confident Zach, was trying to deal with a broken heart of his own.
"Her name was Emma," he said, the name seeming to cause him physical pain. "She was beautiful. She looked just like you," he said, a bit of his charm dripping back into him, trying to keep everything lighthearted. I nudged him to keep going.
"It was last summer. She was the Princess of Belgium, and her family was staying at the palace for the summer. Like any stupid love story, it just kind of happened. One day, I just… I can't explain it. I just knew that I loved her. She was my everything, as disgustingly cheesy as that sounds." He made a face. "I was going to propose to her the night she was left. I had the ring and everything. I walk up to her, and she's in the arms of some Spanish prince." He said this all in a bitter, self-mocking tone. I gasped slightly, one hand flying up to my mouth.
"Turns out her parents had arranged a marriage for her for years. They're engaged now, her and Julian," he said, looking down at his hands.
"Does she love him?" I asked quietly. He shrugged.
"She didn't want an arranged marriage, but she didn't want to displease her parents. That was the kind of girl she was. She'll force herself to love him."
I grabbed him and pulled him close. "You idiot. All the times I came to you for help, and you never once let me help you," I accused softly.
"I'm fine," he insisted, but I wouldn't let him out of my embrace.
"Sure you are," I said, rolling my eyes. "Have you talked to her since?"
"No, but I'm going to have to in a couple weeks." I gave him a questioning look. "The engagement ball? Practically every royal is coming."
"The engagement ball is that soon?" I exclaimed, nausea snaking it's way into my stomach. "It's already planned?"
"Relax, Princess. I'm just assuming. But with the way you and lover boy have been acting, I wouldn't be surprised if he proposed to you this afternoon."
I jabbed him with my elbow. "You know, I've got your back, Zach."
He smiled, and the crinkles around the edges of his eyes deepened. "Thanks, Mer."
I leaned my head on his shoulder, watching the gardens in peace, grateful to have Zach by my side. "Anytime."
So that's it :) Sorry this was kind of a filler, what's-going-on kind of chapter.
And to answer further questions: Yes, you will get a Zach/Emma chapter during the Engagement ball. Prepare yourselves.
No, Zach and America's relationship is not romantic, although you're free to ship whoever you want.
Yes, I will update a lot sooner than last time. Sorry again.
I love you all!
REVIEWS:
babysister1997: Thanks, chica :)
kassoug4: Yesss Klaroline is the besttt! Love ya girly!
Shawwwttttyyyy: Hahaha thank you so much!
if i were infinity: Thank you, darling!
AcademicGirl: Oh I love you so much :) And umm sleepy Aarons and Maxons are the most beautiful things ever soooo…
sparklysparkle: Haha maaaybeee ;) Thanks so much!
avaatquevale2250: OMG I LOVE YOU SO MUCH *SMOOCH*
SizzleLily98: Their wedding is coming very soon, don't worry :)
ravenbookbird: Aww thank you my dear!
YJ Fan: Hahaha thanks so much! Sometimes I get fanfics confused with books too haha
TheUltimateShipp: OMG I NEED TO READ YOUR TVD FANFIC RIGHT NOW
BlueTardis00914: MORE MAXERICA FOR EVERYONE!
S: Zach is gone now *sniff sniff*
winterprincess: I KNOW OMG! I could talk about the Vampire Diaries all day. And thank you so much darling :)
Lindsey99: I promise, no Zacherica :) And umm I basically live off of fictional happiness, so no worries.
HyperFLUFFY: Yeah, I wish Maxon was real… *sigh*
Nadia: TYSM :)
d12t4eva: I've already responded to you… ;) Love ya to bits!
Guest: Zach is da bomb dot com
TigersOnAGoldLeash: Kk let me know when my Kiera mask is shipping… :) Love you so muchhh!
Athenachild101: HERE TAKE IT :)
Zeta: Ahhhh I'm sorry love, I'll try harder with the next one!
dancingnarwhal: Aww thank you!
Guest: I'M SORRY OK?
Maxerica4Life: Aww thanks sweetie!
Tess: AHHH WHAT? Thank you all so much.
I don't know where I'd be without you amazing Selection lovers :) I love you guys. Bye!