I cannot make any promises for longer chapter lengths since my chapters for other stories are more or less 1000 words. I know that other Selection fanfics have about 5000 words per chapter but I would rather publish a well-written short chapter than a long and crappy one.

Anyways, this cute idea came to me from not really paying attention in church.


Photo #35: Under the Loop

For as long as Eadlyn could remember, she and her brothers were always taught how to be formal. When a part of the royal family, one must know how to look and act proper at all times since all eyes gravitate towards you and even the slightest flaw will be remembered forever. Even as a little girl, Eadlyn was already wearing heels, makeup, and even though she had maids to help, she was taught how to put on a corset and tie it up. It was something that was bound to have been taught eventually, so better it be taught in a fresh mind rather than a mature one.

Eadlyn lightly touches the next photo and it makes her smile. It has a five-year-old Kaden wearing his white dress top and matching black pants. He stands in front of their mother, who is kneeling to be at his height. In her hands are the ends of a deep blue tie that wraps around Kaden's neck.

Eadlyn can only think of the warm, positive thought of her mother teaching her younger brother how to tie a tie.

-o-

The Schreaves were due to be on The Report in less than an hour so all of them were busy preparing themselves. All of them were currently being dressed in their best threads, making sure to beat their last public appearance and leave everyone in Illéa speechless.

America's dress was being tailored last-minute by some maids as she was applying her own makeup. Maxon was across the room being aided with the buttons on his sleeves as he runs through his speech numerous times. America can vouch that he has rehearsed his speech so many times that she can recite it, backwards even. Then again, she loves hearing her husband's voice so she has no problems.

"Maxon, you will be fine," America says to comfort him, "if you mess up, I will swoop in and save you."

Maxon looks at her and can't help but smile. "I appreciate your help, dear."

America is about to respond, until an alarming scream perks her attention.

"Mommy!" She hears one of her kids scream.

Thanks to her motherly instincts, America leaps off the pedestal she has been standing on for the maids to adjust her dress. She runs over to the door and bursts out to see what the problem is. America sees Kaden, half-dressed, running over to her in a panic.

"Kaden, darling!" America exclaims back. "What is it? Are you in trouble? Are you okay?"

Kaden pulls at the tie around his neck, struggling to breathe due to the horrible knot it's in. America quickly bends down and unties it. Once it's off, Kaden relaxes and America gives a small smile as she caresses her young son.

"I wanted to tie it myself," Kaden explains, "I thought it would be like tying my shoes."

America gives a gentle laugh at his innocence. She takes the ends of the tie and wraps it over his shoulders. She rids the fabric of its wrinkles and looks at her son right in the eyes.

"Let me show you how it's done," America says, "okay?"

Kaden nods his head, always willing to learn something new.

"First step, put the tie around your neck and make sure the wider end is on the right and a few inches shorter than the other end." America shifts the tie. "Then take the ends in your hands and cross them over each other. "Now, make sure the wide end is in your other hand and vice versa."

America replaces her hands on the tie with Kaden's. This way, she controls his wrists so he's the one doing the practical task as she talks.

"Next, you're going to bring the wider end under the loop at your collar, and told it behind the smaller end," she instructs. "Now, pull the wide end through the loop - make sure to hold onto that knot so it doesn't get undone. Do that step again. And now tighten the know by pulling down on the base."

America tweaks it a little but still smiles brightly.

"And there you go," she says happily. "Now you know how to tie a tie."

Kaden beams excitedly. America gives him a kiss on the head before she encourages him to run back to his room to finish preparing for The Report. She stands up and straightens her dress. America turns around and sees Maxon peeking his head out the doorway with his camera in sight, knowing he took a snapshot. He passes her a tie as well and she cocks an eyebrow.

"Care to help me put on my tie as well?" He asks.

America grins as she takes it in her hands and wraps it around his neck. She begins forming the proper knot but gets distracted by Maxon constantly trying to kiss her.

"Maxon, please," she says, pushing his face back.

"Begging me to stop or keep on going?" He asks playfully.

America doesn't respond with words but an ambiguous smirk on her face. Her eyes stare into his before focusing back on his tie. Maxon takes the meaning behind that expression as the latter part and keeps on going.


Thanks to WikiHow, I now know how to tie ties.

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