-AN disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters they all belong to the great Kiera Cass all rights go to her. Also sorry about all my grammar and spelling errors. I am really bad at typing and writing this from my phone.

Skip to the day America leaves for the palace

I woke up with dread gnawing my stomach. Today was the day I had to leave my home and my family. Today is the day I had to go to the palace in Angeles for Prince Maxon's selection that I didn't want to take part in. I was really worried that something would happen to my family while I was away and couldn't bear the thought of any of them being hurt.

I had already packed my few belongings in a small backpack the night before and was all set. All I had to do now were the dreaded good byes. I also had to tell my family about Aspen and warn them about him so they could report him.

I walked down the stairs to the family all sitting on the couch looking really excited. They thought I was too. "I have something really important I need to tell all you guys but you have to promise not to interrupt me until I'm done." My family all looked at me confused but this has to be done. I took a deep breath and started. "For the past two years I have been dating someone in secret. They have not been good to me and always beat and hurt me. I didn't tell you guys or break up with him to keep you guys safe. I knew that if I did he would hurt you and I couldn't bear that. You all have to be very careful for the time I'm gone because I won't be here to protect you. I know you don't need it but I had to tell you and warn you."

By the end mom, dad, Kenna, May, and I all had tears in our eyes. Gerad looked confused but Kota looked triumphant. "Why do you think aspen picked to to date America?" Kota started. "I tipped him off and told him you would stay with him and wouldn't break up with him because I knew you would do anything for your family. Ever since you started dating him you have become less talented and more distracted and worried. The only reason I did it was so that I would be the most talented in the family and" "GET OUT OF MY HOUSE YOU ARE NO LONGER APART OF THIS FAMILY!" Dad interrupted. Mom was bawling like crazy now and everyone else including me averted our eyes. Dad never yelled. "Anyone who would do that to their own sister is sick and not related to me so get out kota!" Dad said a little more calmly.

I couldn't help but feel kind of proud that my dad cared so much. I always knew Kota was a jerk but now I never wanted to see him again. He caused me so much pain. I couldn't believe I ever looked up to him.

-page break-

We heard a honk at the door that signaled the car was here for me. As I looked at my family I saw they were all dreading the goodbyes as much as I was.

I turned around and may wrapped her small arms around me. "Promise me that you will write." She said in a tiny voice. "I promise." I replied. Next was mom. I suspect this one will be interesting. "I'm so proud of you. While you are at the palace try as hard as you can and even if you don't after you still end up a three so this is only good." I told mom I would try even though u really wouldn't.

Now it was time for the goodbye I didn't want to say the most. Dad wrapped me in a huge bear hug and whispered in my ear, " I love you Kitten. I am so proud of you and even if you don't win you will always be a princess to me." "I love you too dad" I replied through my tears.

The car honked again impatiently and I turned around to my family as i walked toward it. I gave one last wave over my shoulder as I opened the car door and stepped in to the new life I never wanted.