I AM SO SORRY THAT IT HAS TAKEN ME SO LONG TO UPDATE! My friend just got it back to me yesterday and then I went to see Pitch Perfect 2 and I was watching Star-Crossed (which I can't believe they left at a cliff-hanger - like, no). It's been a crazy 24 hours so I finally have a chance to share the next chapter with you. I'm kind of being a hypocrite because I basically just dissed cliff-hangers and this has one, but at least i'm continuing this. Sorry, still upset about Star-Crossed being canceled, but that's not The Selection so i'll move on.
Pretty sure nobody read that but oh well^
DISCLAIMER: I do not own The Selection or any of the characters
At lunch, America seemed very distant. I tried to wrap my arm around her but she just dismissed me. I nudged her to look at me. When she did, I tugged my ear. She nodded and returned to pushing her salad around the plate. I'm not going to lie, it really hurt. She was my everything, the woman I hoped to make my wife. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was really wrong. When we had finished eating, I pulled her into the hallway. "America, what's wrong?" I asked.
"While I was in my last class, your father called me into his office," she said. My eyes widened. That could not have been anything good.
"How bad?" I questioned, already knowing what he did. She looked like she was about to cry.
"Three," was all she could choke out. I pulled her in for a hug, careful not to hurt her back.
"He promised he wouldn't hurt you," I said. I felt her start to shake with the tears she tried desperately to hold in. I looked around to try and find someplace more private and my eyes landed on the janitor's closet. I hurried her over to it, knowing she didn't want the whole campus to see her crying. I got her in before anyone could see her tear-stained face. "I'm so sorry," I said, pulling her in for another hug. I knew that my apology could not fix the past, but I still felt I needed to say it.
"It's not your fault your father hates my guts," she sobbed.
"Did you bandage them?" I was already moving to check her wounds.
"Not very well," she said. When I asked, she told me her next class was gym, so I took her hand and led her back to her dorm. She locked the door and grabbed the box we kept underneath her bed. She took off her t shirt and laid down, already knowing what to do. She seemed very self-conscious, which was understandable. I had only ever seen her in her bra once – when my dad spilled his drink on her (probably purposely) and she had to borrow one of my shirts. I personally thought she had nothing to be ashamed of, but I couldn't actually tell her because I wasn't supposed to be looking in the first place.
I grabbed the disinfectant and towel. She took her pillow, preparing for the stinging that always accompanied the process. I tore off the bandages, knowing this was the best way to get them off without too much pain and my heart sank when I saw how bad it was. On her back were three gashes, deeper than the ones he usually gave to me. I started dabbing the wash cloth on her back, trying to get done in as little time as possible. I knew from experience that the longer you prolonged it, the more painful it could be. I could hear her muffled screams as the medicine started working. It broke my heart to see her like this, knowing there was nothing I could do to prevent it. There was no way to stop the wrath of my father, just ways to lessen it. Now I know what has be causing the distance. Once I had finished cleaning the cuts, I added the gauze that would make the pain less severe when she sat back. She then grabbed her shirt and quickly put it on while trying to avoid contact with the bandages.
"I never thought I would be the one patching you up," I voiced, holding her in my arms. We laid down on her bed and curled up together until we would eventually have to go. "Now I see why you always end up crying when you have to bandage my back."
"It's not easy, but I do it because I love you." She rested her head against my chest and I kissed her head. It was moments like these when I felt like everything would be okay if I could just hold her in my arms. I pulled my phone out of my pocket to check the time.
"We should head to class," I stated reluctantly. I could feel more than hear her groan into my neck. "Come on. Do you want to do homework together later?"
"Yeah," she said. We got up and grabbed our stuff. I grabbed her hand and intertwined our fingers and we walked to the hall where we would have to go our separate ways. "I'll see you later," she mumbled weakly.
"Remember," I whispered, "try to avoid touching your back to the back of a chair. It will hurt. And don't forget that I love you."
"Never," she said. "I love you too." She leaned in and gave me a quick kiss. She walked down the hall to her class and I walked the opposite way to mine.
-America's POV-
I sat on my bed and waited for Maxon to come. I heard my phone beep, signaling I had a text. I looked at my phone and saw it was from Maxon. Be there in ten J
Kk 3was my reply. I checked some of my unopened messages and read them while I was waiting. Then, I heard a knock on the door. I got up and opened it, revealing Maxon standing there. I smiled at him and stepped aside to let him in. We sat on my bed and started our homework. "How's your back?"
"It still hurts," I replied. "Yours?"
"Same," he replied. We did our homework for a couple hours, joking around to break up the monotony of doing advanced calc and environmental law. Marlee walked in at around 5.
"Hey, America, where were you during free period and gym?" she asked as she placed her bag on the floor by her bed, giving me a knowing look. I looked at Maxon.
"I needed to talk to Maxon about something," I replied. It wasn't a total lie. She raised an eyebrow at me.
"Sure," she said, extending the u too long for my liking. "You guys were just talking." I glared at her. She casually flopped onto her bed and took out her phone, pretending to be nonchalant about the whole ordeal.
"I should head home," Maxon said as he got up to put his books away.
"I'll walk you out," I said, giving my roommate the side eye. We got up and walked into the hall. "I love you." He put his hands around my waist and pulled me in for a loving kiss.
"I love you too. I will see you tomorrow and probably text you tonight," he said. "Who am I trying to kid? We both know I'll text you tonight."
"You better," I said with mock seriousness. We both laughed. He kissed my forehead before walking away. I stepped back in my room. Marlee gave me a look. "We didn't do anything earlier if that's what you're thinking. Get your mind out of the gutter"
"Okay," she said putting her hands up defensively. She smiled and I returned the gesture. I laid down on my bed, taking care to lie flat on my stomach. I thought about Maxon and just how amazing he was, something that was almost always on my mind. My phone buzzed. It was Maxon. Missing you already 3.
My speedy reply came not ten seconds later. I replied. Missing you more 3. We ended up texting until ten o'clock at night.
-Maxon's POV-
I was walking to class, when I ran into my ex-girlfriend, Daphne. "Hi, Max. Long time no see," she said rubbing her hand up and down my arm. I yanked it away from her. We dated for a while until I met Mer. It was when I realized my true feelings for her that I broke things off with Daphne and started pursuing America. It was also that I found out Daphne had cheated on me. "Oh, I see. You don't want America to see us together," she whispered, giggling to herself.
"No, I just don't want to be near you," I stated, walking right past her. She grabbed my arm and spun me around. God, this girl is persistent, you have to give her that.
"Maxy, we were so good together. Why can't it be like that again?" she pouted, in her own attempt to be cute.
"Because I'm in love with America," I said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world (which it was). "I still remember what you did to me. I still remember how you cheated on me with Clark." Clark was my best friend, but we haven't spoken in four years.
"I know, but that ended last week," she said. "And I miss you, Maxy." I shuddered at her nickname for me. I never liked it, not even when we were together, but she always insisted we have a pet name because "it was what couples did." I hurried into my classroom and sat in my seat. Daphne sat behind me. Perfect, just add onto the great day I'm having. I then proceeded to sit through the most boring lesson ever. When the bell finally rang for lunch, I rushed out to avoid Daphne. I was at my locker putting some books away, when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I tensed up and turned around. I relaxed when I saw America.
"Thank God, it's you," I said pulling her in for a hug.
"Max, are you okay?" she said with a giggle. She pulled away and looked me in the eyes. Her face became serious. "Maxon?"
"Daphne and Clark broke up and now she's after me again," I said. She looked down. I placed my fingers below her chin and urged her face up so she was looking me in the eye. "You have nothing to worry about. I'm not leaving you." She gave me a peck on the lips and we headed off to the cafe right off campus. Once we had our lunches, we sat at our usual table. I looked over and saw someone new at the next table. The seniors usually sat there, but today, it was Daphne and a girl, I think her name is Kriss. America noticed them too and moved a little closer to me. It wasn't necessary, but I loved protective, PDA America and I wasn't about to complain. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. Kriss looked over and waved and winked flirtatiously. I looked at America. She was looking at me. I leaned in and kissed her.
"So, when are you guys going to move in together?" Carter asked.
"Spring break," I replied. "We have to find a good apartment. My dad said he'll only pay $400 a month. If it's anymore, we have to come up with the money."
"I thought you would have tried to pay for the whole thing with your allowance. I mean, doesn't your father give you, like, a thousand bucks a month?" Marlee questioned with a perplexed look on her face.
"He took that away as part of the whole moving in with America thing," I replied. "But it's worth it. My mom actually got mad at my dad because he was surprised that I chose love over money and didn't support my decision. I felt bad for my mom, but it was kind of funny how mad she got."
"Can't your parents help a little bit, America?" Marlee asked.
"No, they're trying to put May through a private high school, so they're struggling a little," she replied. "All I get is $20 a week." I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I took it out and looked at the caller ID. "Who is it?"
"My mother," I replied hitting the answer button. "Mom?"
"I need to talk to you, Maxon. I didn't want to say this in front of your father because I know he would get really mad if I did this. I can help you and America," she said in a low voice.
"What do you mean?" I asked, curious to hear what she was going to say next. Everyone at the table was looking at me, especially America.
"I can't explain much now, and I want to tell you while you are with America. After classes, meet me at the café down the road from our house. Your father has a staff meeting so we shouldn't run into him," she replied. "Please come."
"We'll be there," I replied. "See you then." I hung up. "My mom wants to talk to you and me after classes. We have to meet her at the café near my house."
"Okay, what's this about?" she asked. I put my phone back in my pocket.
"She says she can help us," I replied. America looked at me confused and I just shrugged my shoulders. I didn't know much, but I knew my mom would help. We finished eating and headed to class.
-America's POV-
I walked over to Maxon, who was waiting for me on the other side of the hall after my last class. He grabbed my waist and pulled me in for a kiss. "Ready?" he asked, taking a deep breath. I nodded and grabbed his hand. We walked to the café, which was only a few blocks away. When we walked in, his mother was already sitting down, drinking her coffee.
"Maxon, America, thank you. I really wanted to tell you this in person," she said hugging both of us. She was always affectionate where Mr. Schreave was cold.
"I'll get us some drinks, Ames. Be right back," Maxon said walking over to the counter. I sat down.
"So how were your classes?" Amberly asked me.
"They were pretty boring, but that's normal," I said. Amberly let out a small laugh.
"How's your family? I haven't spoken to them in a while," she said, genuinely interested.
"They're fine. They are having a little trouble putting May through high school, but they're pushing through," I replied.
"Well, you come from a family of fighters. I can see that quality in you. Especially with the way you act around my husband. I really am sorry he doesn't like you. You really are a lovely girl, and I happy you're dating Maxon. You're good for him," she said.
"Thank you, that really means a lot," I responded. Maxon walked over and handed me my coffee. Extra milk and extra sugar. I can't stand the bitterness, but the flavor isn't half bad.
"So, what's up, mom?" Maxon asked. I took a sip from my coffee.
"I know your father is only willing to pay $400 a month and I know he took away your allowance. I've been looking at rates for renting good apartments around here and they can reach up to $1300 a month. I want to help you," she said.
"How do you mean?" I asked.
"My cousin, Ashley owns an apartment building, not far from here," she said. Maxon and I exchanged a confused glance.
"Are you saying, you found us an apartment?" Maxon asked. She nodded. "Are you serious?" he asked surprised.
"Well, I set up an appointment for you to see the apartment and if you like it, you can get it for free," she said.
"Thank you, Mom," Maxon said getting up and hugging her. I embraced her as soon as he let go.
"Here's the address and a time to see it," she said handing us a piece of paper. Maxon took it and looked at it.
"Mom, we couldn't thank you enough. And I promise we won't tell dad," he said with noticeable relief in his voice. I could practically see some of the weight coming off his shoulders. We stayed and talked for a little longer before we decided we should do our homework. We rode with Amberly back to their house.
"Your father said he won't be back until late tonight. Would you like to stay for dinner, America?" she asked.
"Sure," I replied, texting Marlee to tell her to get dinner without me. Maxon pulled me up to his room almost as soon as I stepped in the door. When he shut the door, he lifted me up and spun me around.
"I can't believe we might have an apartment soon," he said. He leaned in and gave me a passionate kiss.
"Max, I love you, but I have a lot of homework. Can we start?" I asked, trying to avoid starting anything with his mom downstairs. He nodded and we sat on his bed. "When can we go check out the apartment?" He pulled the sheet out of his pocket and unfolded it.
"Saturday at one," he said. He put the sheet on his books and pulled me close to him. "I love you and can't wait to live with you."
"Same here," I replied, giving him a peck on the lips. We had nearly finished our homework when his mother called us down for dinner.
"I wish we could spend more time together, but I don't want my father to come near you," Maxon said as we stood in front of my dorm. He gave my hands a small squeeze.
"I know. In less than a month we won't have to say goodbye every night," I said. Maxon gave me his award winning smile. That smile could end wars, I swear. Every time I see it, my heart flutters in my chest. He kissed me before he walked away.
-Maxon's POV-
I walked back home and saw my father standing in the hallway with his arms crossed.
"Hello, Maxon."
Oh no! Hope you enjoyed. Please review, favorite, follow, and all that stuff.
Who's read the heir. I loved it but I hate that there is a cliff-hanger (there I go with the cliff-hangers again. I'm going to stop now. Bye)