Chapter 11

I've been apologizing WAAAYY too much lately … although I am sorry for the long wait.

Sooo let's just get to the story

Chapter 11 – Reunited

My head is pounding, and my heart is racing a million miles a minute. Not only will I have to see Maxon and Kriss TOGETHER, but I will have to spy and deceive him. I LOVE him I can't lie to him.

"America? America are you alright? You can say no."

I guess I look as bad and overwhelmed as I feel.

"No, no I want to do it," I mumble. I'm not lying, I do want to help but, I'd probably just do more harm than good. Seeing as I was Maxon's previous girlfriend, he probably won't want to see me again, he especially won't want me to show up at the castle.

"Are you sure? I don't want to pressure you. This is a big task that involves a man you love who's about to get married to another woman. You need to be one hundred percent committed."

"I, I am committed," I say while stumbling over my words. Even if it isn't true now, eventually, I will be committed. I just need a little time.

"Great! I think this is perfect, it's exactly what you need. We have a lot of work to do. You'll need to train but ultimately we want to get you out there as soon as possible."

"How soon?"

"No longer than a week, maybe two. The sooner the better. Keep in mind Maxon has no idea where you are so we'll need to create a story about what happened. You'll need to be trained so that you can defend yourself against Southern Rebels. If there is a deal than they'll be coming around the castle often. Oh, and we need to pick a symbol for you! That's my favorite part about new recruits!"

A week. I'll be gone away to the castle in a week. I need to leave my family in a week. It's too much and it's happening way too fast. Not to mention the fact that Maxon probably thinks I'm somewhere dead.

"I know, I know, it's a lot to take in. But you will be the person to save this country. You were the first person I thought of for this task. No one can do this better than you."

I'm still getting over Maxon and she's asking me to go live there with him and his fiancé. If it just affected me, I wouldn't do it. I would go home and live life far away from him, maybe even start to date. I would get a new job as a three, like a teacher. I would be happy. But it doesn't just affect me. If something really is going on, it affects everyone. Every three, every seven, every person in this country. I can't abandon them. If anyone is going to get anything out of Maxon, it's me. She's right, I am the only person for the job, even if I'm not trained and am a terrible liar. But they can fix that, they will train me, and I will be ready.

"When do we start?"

"Really?!," she screams, then sequels, "Okay, okay we can start now, if you're ready."

"I'm ready," I say, because I am. I am ready. I'm ready to see Maxon again. I'm ready to lie to him. I'm ready if it means I save him or this country. I. Am. Ready.

"Great. Okay, so let's start with something relatively easy, your symbol. Most of the northern rebels use the north star as their symbol but some use the number twenty-one. We use these symbols to recognize each other. You can use clothing or jewelry or even your handwriting, like your father's signature. But in your case, it needs to be something Maxon wouldn't notice, so that he doesn't get suspicious."

"I'm not sure. Maybe jewelry. Although, Maxon might notice me wearing some necklace that he's never seen before."

"He might, but you could always lie about it. You could tell him that it was a welcome home gift or something."

I don't want to lie to Maxon any more than I must.

"Maybe something else than?"

Think! I need to come up with something. Something unique that no one else has done. My dad used his signature, Kriss uses a necklace, Spencer uses his compass. What can I use?

"Okay, maybe you should think it over. I know this has been a lot to digest. Why don't you go into town to get some supplies with our truck? Get some fresh air."

"Yeah, that sounds good."

I don't know why she would want me to go into town. If I'm spotted, the whole plan will fall apart. Maxon will know where I am but, I think she's right. I could use some fresh air.

She leads me outside and over to Spencer. She tells him that I will be going with him and some other rebels into town and to make sure that I am not spotted. He nods and leads me to the supply truck. There, two other rebels are waiting for him. When they see him, they get into the truck and open the back for me. All the windows are tinted and when I step into the back, I notice a big window on the left side. Even if I can't get out of the truck, I'll at least be able to see what we pass. Once I'm in the back of the truck, the rebels close the door and step into the front. I hear the car start and begin to move. As it begins to move, I stand so that I can see out the window. There is nothing for awhile but soon we reach a small town with a few shops, one grocery store and, a bakery. The truck stops, and I am left to gaze at the unmoving view out the window.

Across the street there is a small shop. Through the window I can barely make out a few dresses on mannequins, jewelry and, a belt. All the dresses are a dark bubblegum color, with the acceptation of one beautiful sky-blue dress. This dress instantly becomes my favorite. It is knee length and very simple with nothing but a few ruffles diagonally across the top. It is simple yet so beautiful. The jewelry is seemingly simple but, again, some of the most beautiful necklaces and bracelets I have ever seen. And then I spot the belt. The belt is the prettiest burnt sienna shade. I can't quite see the buckle from here. It kind of looks like…like a star?

Against my better judgement, I get out of the truck and hurriedly walk across the street with my head down, hoping that no one recognizes me. There aren't very many people around anyway. As I get closer to the shop I can see the belt, dresses and, jewelry. The belt buckle is stunning. It is the shiniest silver I have ever seen, in the shape of a north star. The same thing I need as my symbol! I walk inside and look around for the belt. Then, I see the shop owner behind the counter. She is old and sleeping but, overall, seems like a very nice lady. I see the belt, grab it and, begin to walk towards the counter when I see the blue dress. I grab the dress and take the it, along with the belt, towards the counter where the old lady is sleeping. Instead of waking her up, I leave a note with some money. I left a considerable amount of extra change for her to keep. I walk back to the truck the same way I had before and sit down so that everything is the same.

I have found my symbol and tomorrow I will train.