IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: I AM SO SORRY THAT I HAVEN'T UPDATED IN SO LONG! I used to have my friend edit the chapters but both of us got really busy with school and other stuff so I think the rest of the story will be my own writing. This chapter is going to sound different when it comes to the writing style because I am nowhere near as good a writer as my friend. Also, I'm going to try and update more, but I can't promise. Hopefully with summer coming up, that will give me an opportunity to post more of the story.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own The Selection or any of the characters.

"This is the last box," Maxon said, putting the box down. He walked over to me and wrapped his arms around me. "I still can't believe I live with the most beautiful girl in the world." I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck.

"You don't have to flirt anymore, I'm already your girlfriend," I giggled. He chuckled, tightening his grip on me – if that was even possible.

"I wasn't flirting, I was being honest," he corrected. "But, yes, I do have to keep flirting, because I don't want to lose you."

"You're never going to lose me. You're stuck with me," I said, causing Maxon to laugh. He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine.

"I'm perfectly fine with that," he mumbled against my lips, resting his forehead on mine. It amazed me to this day how I found someone so perfect and managed to make him mine.

-Maxon's POV-

It had been a month since America and I moved in together and things were going great. "Yeah, it's still kind of weird to wake up to her, but it's a good weird," I explained to Carter as we grabbed our coffees. We walked over to a table and sat down.

"I was with Marlee yesterday at the library and I heard Daphne and that girl, Kriss, talking about you and America. Both of them have feelings for you and are pretty upset that you and America moved in together," he said.

"Good," I muttered, bringing the piping hot coffee to my lips.

"Did you hear Clark wants Daphne back?" he suddenly remembered.

"What? Seriously? I still can't believe he even likes her," I said, shaking my head. "I don't even know why I did. I think I just went out with her because we were expected to go out. The whole popular boy/popular girl thing. Worst years of my life."

"She flirted with every guy when you weren't around. Even me," he cried.

"She did it even when I was around. I'm not surprised she cheated on me. I was actually kind of waiting to see how long until she did."

"Hey, isn't that America's ex-boyfriend, Aspen?" Carter asked, pointing to someone behind me. I turned around and saw the tall guy that once had my girlfriend's heart.

"Yeah, ever since he got here, I can feel him watching America. I'm glad she lives with me off campus. I heard his building is right near her old one," I replied.

"Don't you trust America?"

"Of course I trust her. I would be stupid not to. It's him I don't trust," I replied, looking back at him with disgust. I heard the door open and heard two girls giggling. I turned around to see America and Marlee. America smiled when she saw me, but I noticed Aspen watching her. They made their way over to us. I stood up and pulled her in for a loving kiss. She seemed shocked by my action, but kissed me back after the initial shock wore off.

When we pulled apart, she questioned, "Max, I love you, but what was with that? That was a little more than a 'hello' kiss."

"Ex-boyfriend, 5 o'clock." She turned and noticed Aspen looking at us. She gave me a knowing look. We sat down and she grabbed my coffee, taking a sip. I kept my arm loosely around her shoulders to make sure Aspen knew that she was my girl.

"I heard Aspen talking to his friends yesterday about how he really wishes he could get you back," Marlee said, stealing a sip of Carter's drink.

"I heard that rumor too," she grumbled. "That's all anyone is talking about. I don't want him back though. I already have the best boyfriend ever." She kissed my cheek. I tightened my arm around her and pulled her closer into my chest.

"America?" We all looked up to see Aspen standing there. "Can we talk?"

"Um, sure," she replied nervously. She squeezed my thigh reassuringly, but the look on her face made me wonder if it was for her or me. She got up and they walked outside. I didn't realize I was staring until Carter pointed it out.

"You okay?" he asked.

"I don't know. He's known her a lot longer than I have. That's a lot to compete with," I said taking a sip from my coffee. I trust her. I trust her. I trust her.

-America's POV-

"So, what do you want to talk about?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest. I didn't want to speak to him alone, but I know he won't stop bothering me until I do. Just get it out of the way, America.

"I heard you moved in with him," he said out of the blue.

"Yeah, we just-," I began, only to be cut off.

"Does he make you happy?" he blurted out.

"What?"

"Does he make you happy?" he repeated.

"Yes, of course he does. Why would you ask that? Do you think I would move in with him if I was miserable?" I asked getting mad. I did not want to have this conversation right now, let alone with him.

"Mer, I just want to know if he treats you right. If he makes you feel like the princess you are," he said moving closer to me, and moving his hand up as if going to stroke my cheek. I took a step back, making it clear that any contact was unacceptable.

"Yes, he does. He does a better job at that than you did. I love Maxon more than anything and you have no idea what he has done for me," I responded. "And you have no right to say that about me anymore."

"I didn't mean to upset you. I guess I just realized I never stopped loving you when I saw you. Breaking up with you was the biggest mistake I've ever made. I just wish we could just pick up where we left off." He made another attempt to touch me, going for my hip this time. I backed away quickly, just barely avoiding his hand.

"Well, we can't. I'm in love with Maxon and nothing will ever change that. You lost your chance," I fired. I stormed back into the coffee shop and sat down.

"You okay, Ames?" Maxon asked, wrapping one arm around my shoulder and using his other hand to urge me to look at him.

"Well, he wants me back, I can tell you that much," I said. Maxon turned and looked outside. I could tell he was fuming. When he was like this and you were on his bad side, there's no telling what he'll do. This is the one trait he inherited from his father that he hates. "I have a headache, can we head home, Max?"

"Yeah. I'll feel better when he can't get to you," he agreed standing up. I got up and he wrapped his arm around me. "See you two later," he muttered to Marlee and Carter. I waved to them as Maxon pulled me to the entrance. We walked outside to find Aspen and his friends talking and laughing. Maxon's grip tightened. I rested my hand on his shoulder in attempt to calm him down. He led me to his car and we headed back to our apartment in silence.

When we got into our apartment, Maxon walked to the small balcony that was connected to the kitchen. I walked out after him and placed my hands on his shoulders. "Max, are you okay?" I worried.

"I don't know," he sighed. Is he having trouble trusting me? Would he think I would leave him for the past? "I know what you're thinking. You're wondering if I trust you. It's not that I don't trust you," he assured me, turning and pulling me into his arms, "I do. It's that ex-boyfriend of yours I don't trust. He's known you a lot longer than I have. He was your first love. That's a lot to go against."

"Max," I mumbled, "you're getting worked up over nothing. I don't care how long he's known me; all that matters to me is you. I love you so much more than I ever loved him. To be honest, I don't think I even loved him. I was in love with the idea of love. But you, I do love and I will until the day I die."

"You took the words right out of my mouth," he whispered. He leaned in and kissed me. When we pulled apart, he rested his forehead on mine. We stayed like that for a few minutes. Then, Maxon's phone went off. He groaned as he grabbed it from his pocket. I giggled as he rolled his eyes. When he looked at the caller ID, his face softened and I knew instantly that it was his mother. "Hi, mom," he greeted putting it to his ear. "Sunday? Okay… Yeah, I can make it… Thanks, mom. Bye." He hung up and said, "My dad's trial is Sunday."

"Are you going to be okay?"

"Yea, I think so. He's finally getting what he deserves," Maxon said.

"Maxon, just remember, if this goes the way we hope, your father can never hurt you or me again," I reassured him. I placed my hand on his cheek and stroked it with my thumb.

"I know. That's what's getting me through this. The thought that he'll never be able to hurt you again," he sighed, moving a strand of my hair behind my ear. My heart fluttered at what he said. For him, me getting hurt once was more painful than all the times his father hurt him. I knew that my pain had been difficult for him to watch, but the fact that he is putting it ahead of his own just shows me how much he loves me. I pulled him down for another kiss and he pushed me against the wall, deepening the kiss. We pulled away panting. "Can we have a movie night?"

"Sure, I'll get the popcorn," I giggled. I walked into our kitchen and grabbed the popcorn. I stuck it in the microwave and made my way to the fridge to grab a drink.

"Ames, can you get me a soda from the fridge?"

"Can't you get it yourself?" I asked.

"You're closer," he whined. I let out a giggle and agreed. When the popcorn was done, I walked into the living room with two sodas and the bowl of popcorn. "Thank you, love," Maxon said kissing me on the cheek. We sat on the couch. Maxon pressed play on the movie and wrapped his arm around me. I snuggled into him and grabbed a handful of popcorn from the bowl that was now resting on his lap.

"What are we watching?" I asked.

"The Lego Movie," he replied. I cheered causing Maxon to laugh.

I must have fallen asleep during the movie because the next thing I knew, I was in our bed. Maxon was snoring lightly beside me. I checked my phone and saw that it was 8:17 am. I heard Maxon stir next to me. He groggily opened his eyes enough to see that I was awake. My God, he is adorable when he's tired.

"What time is it?" he asked covering his eyes with his arm.

"Quarter after eight," I replied. He groaned. He moved his arm and leaned over to kiss me. "Morning, sleepyhead."

"Morning, darling," he sighed plopping back down on his pillow.

"When did I fall asleep?"

"About halfway through the movie," he said. He wrapped an arm around me and pulled me close, burying his face in my neck. My phone buzzed. Maxon loosened his grip on me, allowing me to check my phone. I checked to see who was calling. Unknown.

"Hello?" I said answering my phone.

"America, I'm so glad I reached you. I need to talk to you about yesterday," the unknown person rambled into the phone.

"Who is this?"

"It's Aspen," he stated. I froze. Maxon looked at me worried. "America? Are you still there?"

"How did you get my number?" I asked.

"A girl named Kriss got it for me," he replied. "Can we please talk?"

"No, I never want to see or speak to you again. Lose this number," I cried hanging up. Maxon looked at me confused. "It was Aspen. He wanted to talk to me about yesterday." Maxon's grip on me tightened and I buried my face in his neck.

"How did he get your number?" he asked.

"Kriss. Somehow she got my number," I replied. "I wish he would just accept that I'm happy and leave me alone."

-Maxon's POV-

America and I walked into the diner near the university. We sat at a booth and looked at the menu. My eyes traveled to other tables. They landed on a table across the room, occupied by Aspen, Daphne, and Kriss.

"Max?" I heard America say. I turned to look at her.

"What?" I blurted out.

"I asked if you know what you're getting. What are you looking at?" she asked looking around. Her eyes stopped when they reached the table I had been watching not even a minute ago. "Oh," was all she said. I looked over and noticed Aspen look at us. He smiled at America. I looked at her and saw she was looking at me.

The waitress walked over to us and asked what we were going to have. After we had ordered, I couldn't stop glancing at my girlfriend's ex-boyfriend. "Max, are you okay?"

"I just really hate him. And why are they sitting with him?"

"It seems like the two girls who like you and the guy who wants me back are plotting how to split us up," she said. I watched Aspen put his arm around Daphne and she rested her head on his shoulder. "Are they dating?"

"If they are, why are they still going after us?" I asked. "What if they're doing this to make us jealous? What if they think we'll come running back to them just because we see them with someone else?"

"Probably. How about we just ignore them? We're kind of giving them what they want by watching them," she said. I grabbed her hand and stroked it with my thumb.

"You're right. So, are you sure you want to come to the trial tomorrow?" I asked.

"Yeah, I want to be there for you. Also, your mom told me the judge may also ask to see my back as evidence that he did it to someone besides you," she said.

"How does it feel?"

"A lot better," she replied. I squeezed her hand just as the waitress walked up with our food. I stole a few glances at them while we ate, but did my best to ignore them.

-America's POV-

I was sitting in the kitchen on my laptop. I was finishing an essay that's due on Monday, when Maxon walked in the room. "Hey, baby. What are you working on?"

"History essay due Monday," I said. He kissed my head and walked over to the fridge. "I meant to ask you, what time is the trial?"

"One o'clock," he replied leaning over my shoulder, reading what I was doing. "Oh, I remember this essay. Silvia is really tough about this one. It determines your semester grade. I nearly failed it."

"Which is why I want to get it done, so I can just make corrections," I explained. "How long was yours supposed to be?"

"A thousand words, I think," he recalled. "I heard last year they had two thousand. How long does yours have to be?"

"Three thousand or more," I groaned. "I have 2,787 so far. For every extra 500 words we do, she'll give us extra credit."

"Really? Mine was every extra thousand words," he complained.

"Well mine is supposed to be longer," I pointed out. "What did you get?"

"A D. My dad gave me two gashes for it," he said. "Of course I only made mine 1,305 words or around there."

"I'm going for at least 3,500. This way I'll get some extra credit," I said, as I continued typing.

"I doubt you'll need it," he stated. "You're brilliant." He kissed my cheek and sat next to me.

"I appreciate the complement, but I think I will need it," I said. "You said yourself that she is tough when she grades this. I really want to pass this semester."

"You will, don't worry. Her complaint on mine was that I didn't have enough detail. With the length yours has to be, I'm sure you have that covered," he laughed.

"I can't blame her. You are very unspecific when it comes to descriptions," I said with a giggle.

"Hey," he said with mock insult. "I'm very descriptive."

"Sure you are," I said. I stole a sip of the soda he was drinking.

"How many words do you have now?"

"2,809" I replied.

"Okay, I'm going to go take a quick shower," he said standing up. "You better be done when I get out."

"No promises," I said. He laughed, kissed my head, and walked out.

About twenty minutes later, he walked back in the kitchen, in a pair of shorts. He was drying his hair with a towel, but my eyes were stuck on his shirtless chest. He may not like to be shirtless because of his back, but I loved it when he was. He was pretty muscular, if I say so myself.

"Like the view?" he asked. I snapped back into reality.

"What? No, um, uh," I stuttered. Maxon just laughed. "Hey, it's your fault."

"What? My fault?"

"Yeah, you just had to have a great body," I said. He walked over to me and wrapped his arms around me. "I'm just glad I'm the only who gets to see it."

"Yes, you are. You always will be the only one," he replied. "Although, Marlee may have gotten a slight peek in the hospital."

"Whatever," I said. He leaned down and pecked me on the lips.

"So did you finish?" he asked.

"Nearly," I replied. "I just have to add a few words here and there and then proofread, but pretty much."

"How many words did you get?"

"3,568. I just finished a minute ago," I stated proudly. He kissed my cheek and pulled me in for a hug. "I'm torn."

"Why?"

"I want you to stay shirtless, but at the same time, I want you to put a shirt on because your muscles are too distracting." All he did was chuckle and kiss my head.

Sorry this chapter sucked. I wrote it so long ago and I didn't really have much time to edit too much of it now because I wanted to give you guys a bit more of the story. Especially since The Crown is coming out next week! I don't know who I'm rooting for because it's been so long since I read The Heir, so I might reread it over the weekend. I won't say anything about it incase you haven't read it because I don't want to spoil it.

Review, follow, favorite! Love you guys and once again, sorry for the wait!