Wow, we're getting a new chapter earlier than expected. That's good for us.

This was an idea that I had for a long time. I had many little memo notes dedicated to it so it's time to put them to use.


Photo #114: In Sickness and Enraged

Eadlyn looks right into the eyes of someone she never rarely sees and is happy about. It's her mother angry.

Eadlyn doesn't remember the last time she saw her mother that furious because it rarely happens. Even when disciplining her and her brothers, she kept a cool head. Well, a cool head that still meant business. But when things got extreme, so did she.

What made it worse is that her flaming red hair truly made her look enraged.

Based on this photo, Eadlyn wants to say that whatever issue happened probably didn't end well. But considering that her parents were still happily married, everything turned out great.

If only she could say the same for right now.

She can't piece together why she automatically thought that her mother was angry at her father, but someone had to have taken the photo and it was most likely him.

-o-

"Maxon, you did not just take a picture of me in the middle of an argument!"

Maxon lowers his camera with a straight expression. "I did. Wait a few minutes for it to develop and then you can see it."

America can't believe him. Her body doesn't know how to react because she can't process that he just did that. They were in the middle of a heated argument and he pulled out his camera to take a closeup of her.

"What was that for?" America asks.

"You're hot when you're mad," Maxon responds. "And that's not supposed to be a jab at the use of the word heated during an argument but it's fitting, don't you think?"

America's brows furrow more which brings a smile to Maxon's face which doesn't help her case (but he's not complaining). His new wife is adorable when she's angry. The way her arms cross against her chest as she stands firmly on her feet, and the way she looks at him with her enchanting blue eyes, and the little pout she does. Cute, so undeniably cute. How could he not get a photo?

The way he looks at her is the way she looks at him. He does his best to mimic her face but exaggerate the brows, pout, and arms. It was an attempt to make her laugh and he saw her mouth twitch but she resisted.

Was he being immature? A little. But it's to lighten the burning tension.

The first fight in any marriage is the hardest. Everyone is on their best behaviour in the beginning, especially because of Maxon and America's elevated status and public attention during the country's time of transition following a crisis. With time, they got to learn more about the good and the bad that comes with their spouse. But they always stayed when things got rough which is when they knew that they loved each other.

"You know what?" America asks. "We need to take some time out and come back."

"I agree," Maxon says.

America likes hearing that she's right but who doesn't? Even the thunderstorm outside agrees because it claps whenever she says something. Maxon could never fight against thunder, especially when it has a backup of lightning.

But maybe he didn't need to fight against the storm. Or his wife, for that matter.

An idea perks in Maxon's head as he gestures an arm towards their balcony door. "Care to join me?"

America shakes her head. "I'm good."

Maxon picks her up and she yelps, trying to get off of him. But by the time she's back on her feet, they're standing outside in the pouring rain with the door closed.

America turns around and puts her hands on her hips. As if the picture was bad enough. This is even worse.

"You're even prettier all wet," Maxon says.

America can't help but scoff with a small grin. "Creep."

He sighs. "I am so sorry, my dear, for angering you. I would rather fight with you every day than live a single day without you, especially with that sexy face of yours."

America bites down on her lips, holding back a smile. She can't stay mad at him and it's not because of his handsomeness in the rain. Those raindrops dripping from his hair and shirt soaked just enough to see what's underneath.

"In sickness and enraged, which we will be the longer we're out here," America says.

"That's not how our vows went," Maxon responds.

"But that's what the health code says."

Maxon moves up closer and brushes his lips against hers, teasing her. He bites on her bottom lip playfully. America loves all his kisses, but these ones are the best kind: the kisses with an unapologetic urgency as if he's utterly consumed because he's sorry.

And she is too.


I was going to go sleep, but then I came up with the chapter title and had to write it down.

If I were to predict when the next chapter will be out, I'm estimating December. It's going to be a holiday one and I already have it planned so I'll see you then.