Disclaimer: All characters belong to Kiera Cass!

TheElite: I can remove the review that you accidentally posted if you want. Just a side note to clear up the confusion: America writes all of her songs, I just added the original songwriter's name to avoid any problems, with copyright and such. Sorry for the confusion. As for the song suggestion, I will definitely do that. I spent a really long time trying to pick out songs that included being someone else, and it fits into what I have planned for the rest of the story. Thanks for the great idea!

Guest: Thank you so much!

maxericaaa: Thanks for enjoying! I've already figured out a way to make Maxon jealous later in the story. Thankfully, it still incorporates nicely with what I've thought out. However, you'll have to wait a little...

MaxericaMoments: Me too! I write things that I myself would like to read, and though these last few chapters have been disappointing, it's going to get more interesting! I just love the ups and downs of high school life.

Well, I sincerely hope that you enjoy this chapter. It's basically the chapter that leads into the interesting parts, but I don't want to rush it too much.

Today, school was a disaster. As I was walking towards my locker, I noticed a paper stuck on every locker. It contained a picture of Maxon and I holding hands as we walked towards the restaurant we went to yesterday and had a caption that read, School Heartthrob Maxon Schreave caught with Mer Singer! Is our Phantom falling in love with Christine?

I mentally screamed. Who had seen us? And everywhere I walked, whispers sprung up. People watched everything I did, scrutinizing my every move. I knew what they were talking about. Is she worthy of our Maxon? All the jocks thought. Girls spun rumors, jealousy fueling their spinning wheels. She's already bedded him. That lucky little slut. And I'm so much prettier than that bitch, anyways!

I was about to collapse from exhaustion as I sat down for lunch. "Is it true?" Celeste murmurs in a hushed voice.

The flyers? "Yeah, they are. Sorry I didn't tell you guys," I respond apologetically.

"Mer, you little slut!" Celeste squeals playfully. Kriss has disgust and jealousy burning deep in her eyes, and so does Aspen. Elise, Carter, and Marlee just look plain uncomfortable.

"What? I just went on a date with him. Like most of the girls in this school. I don't understand, what is it?"

Kriss pipes up. "You slept with Maxon, didn't you? That's what everyone's talking about."

My eyes pop out. "And all of you believe that?! I can't believe you! Of course, I didn't do anything with him!"

I don't fail to notice everyone's postures slumping in relief. But Aspen isn't happy. "You're dating him, of all people? I thought you had common sense, Mer."

I was just about done with Aspen. "I'm the one with no logic? You're the one bothering me about who I should and shouldn't date! Well, guess what, Aspen, you're not my mother! Heck, even my mother doesn't care about my dating as much as you do!" I yell, not even noticing that the entire cafeteria has gone silent. Ashamed, Aspen hangs his head. Everyone else seemingly shrugs and returns to their food and conversations.

The force of what I said hits me in full force. "Aspen, I didn't mean that. Not to that scale, anyways. I appreciate the fact that you care for me, but don't be overprotective of me. I can take care of myself," I whisper, my voice gentler now.

And so lunch ended on that bad note. My day got progressively better, but that was only because of Maxon. I'm wondering why he makes me feel this way until hands cover my eyes. "Surprise," Maxon says, and I can literally sense him smiling. "You want to come over to my house?"

My eyebrows shoot up. "Definitely!"

I was brought to his car. And long after we arrived at his house—a huge castle-like mansion that I would have a little difficulty affording—he spent the time kissing away all of my stress and troubles of the day. But still, I was nervous as he rang the doorbell for me.

Thankfully, a young maid opened the door. "Mr. Maxon! You're back! And with a friend too! My lady?" A woman with kind, wise eyes that look exactly like Maxon's joins us.

"Hello, I'm Amberly Schreave, Maxon's mom. Who are you, dear?"

I smile, feeling right at home. "I'm Mer. Mer Singer. And you truly must be a saint for raising Maxon," I giggle a little.

She reciprocates my smile. "I know. Here, I have strawberry tarts in the kitchen."

I instantly start salivating. Maxon doesn't fail to see my eagerness. And I saw them—perfect, lush strawberry tarts. I screamed in delight. But that attracted the wrong kind of attention.

A strict-looking man with blond hair and faded blue eyes walked down the stairs and glared at me. "And who are you, young lady?"

I maintain my confidence. "My name's Mer Singer, and you must be Clarkson Schreave, Maxon's father."

He looked me up and down, scrutinizing everything, from my posture to the clothes I wore. "You will not make any loud noise in my house again, or I will see to you."

I shrugged his threat off. What could an old man do to me?

I grabbed a strawberry tart as Maxon dragged me to his room. His room was huge. Bookshelves were against one wall, and pictures were lined up against another wall. "And that was my very unpleasant father," Maxon grumps.

I smirk. "And your father will see to me if I scream again. Wow, I'm petrified."

Panic skirts around Maxon's eyes. "Don't." I nod as if reassuring him. He chuckles and tackles me. I barely hold back a surprised scream. Then, he starts tickling me. I can hardly breathe as I attempt to tickle him back. And when he starts tickling me again, I yelp loudly. Oh no, America.

The two of us stand up in fear as Clarkson barges into Maxon's room. "Come here, Maxon. I'll teach you a lesson on bringing loud, obnoxious girls into my home."

I forget to control my tongue. "Wait, I thought you were going to deal with me?"

A calculating look passes over Clarkson's face. "Perhaps I'll discipline both of you."

Maxon jumps in hurriedly, "No, that's fine. She stays here. I'll go with you, sir." I don't miss the way he addresses his father. And with a final look at me, Maxon leaves after his father.

I take the time I have alone in Maxon's room to look at his photos, which I assume he took himself. I see a couple pictures of his mom and his friends, but most of them are centered on me. There are pictures of me that I didn't even realize he took, such as a photo of me ice-skating with Aspen, and a picture of me laughing.

It's almost like a shrine dedicated to me: Mer Singer. As soon as I reach this speculation, Maxon walks—more like limps in—, clutching a wooden box. I reach an arm out to hug him, and he winces in pain. "What happened, Maxon?"

"It's nothing."

It looks like I'm not the only one with deep secrets here.

I want to tell him. The darkest secret I've ever kept. I think long and hard, but I have only one idea: Silvia won't be too happy about this.

Somehow, I want to keep Maxon. He's the best thing that's happened to me ever since I came to Angeles High. And so I start writing a new song.

At school, I have no idea how to approach Maxon. I catch sight of him leaning against his locker, talking casually with Carter. I run up to him. "Hi," I exhale breathlessly.

"Hey," Maxon replies. "You want to go for a walk in the school gardens after school?"

I beam. "Why wouldn't I?" The bell rings, sending students scattering towards their classrooms, including me. I started counting down the minutes until school was out for the day.

"How are you?" Maxon asks me as we stroll past an intricately pruned shrub.

Well, I have a concert to prepare for next week, Aspen just won't let go of me, and Maxon… is Maxon. "I'm fine! What about you?"

"Couldn't have been happier. You want to go to America Singer's concert with me?"

I adopt an apologetic look. "I can't, Maxon. I have… violin lessons that day."

"Oh. It's okay. The time we have here, together, is enough." His face is so eager and energetic, you wouldn't even know that he could break someone's heart.

I grin brightly and kiss him. "I love it when you do that."

He laughs and twirls me around. "What?"

"Look so childish and…enthusiastic." I giggle. "There's a café just around the corner. I need some coffee."

He chuckles again as we walk towards the small café. "I'll pay." The suggestion in his voice masks a hidden command.

Maxon purchases a weak coffee just the way I like it, and a frappe for himself. "You want some?" He motions towards his frappe. I blush a little and take a small sip out of his drink. It was pure heaven, but not to the extent of a strawberry tart.

"There's something I want to tell you." His mouth is smiling, but his eyes are nervous. "I've never felt this way towards someone else. Honestly, Mer? I think I love you."

I froze in shock. And suddenly, there was no one else in the café. It was just Maxon and I. I think back to the way he knew I loved singing, bringing me to my very own recording studio. The way he could make my day so much brighter. And finally, the way he stood up to his father for me. "You know what? I love you, too."

We spent the rest of the day together, finding solace and peace in our newfound trust and love for each other. And I hope it stays this way forever.

I really hope I didn't rush the Maxerica too much. But there's a reason I sped it up a little, don't worry!

Love, Owletta