Thank you guys so much for the comments and support. As per request, here's the next chapter.

America POV:

My house was bustling right as I entered. My family members running around the house, my dad covered in paint and my mom still wearing her apron. I smiled as I dragged my school stuff up the stairs. I was beginning to like this place. Marlee and Celeste were already on speed dial on my phone, thanks to Celeste. The only thing I didn't like. I threw my bag onto my small bed. Homework. It seemed as if our Psychology teacher, Ms. Silvia, had it out for the world when she assigned us a 10 page paper on Nature vs Nurture.

"Honey," a voice called from downstairs. I sighed.

"What," I yelled.

"Do you know where Gerad's cleats are?" I though for a moment.

"They're in the wash."

"Thanks, honey."

"No problem," I whispered as I started at the blank page awaiting my words. This was gonna be fun.

It most certainly was not. After two hours I had managed to finish all my other homework and research everything for Nurture. I needed a break. I pulled on my jacket as I rushed down the stairs. Fresh air sounded great.

"America, honey, where are you going?"

"To the park."

"Alright, be back before dinner. Kenna's coming over." I nodded letting the screen door close behind me and the humid air envelop me. I hadn't been exploring yet but I had seen a park on the way over. I began walking towards where I thought it would be. Kicking a pebble I took in the suburban world around me. The trees lining the streets. The occasional streetlight that wasn't yet lit.

We lived an hour from one of the largest cities in our country, in Angeles County. The closer you got to the city the larger the houses, and being forty five minutes away you could tell that ours wasn't very big. I didn't mind though. I liked being closer to my family.

I saw the park a few blocks down, trees lining the street blocked it out partially. Suddenly a sports car pulled up beside me, I tensed. Walking faster till,

"America? Is that you?" I turned to see the smiling face of Maxon. I smiled. He was good looking after all. Celeste had told me all about him the minute class had ended. Maxon Schreave. Son of a the governor, Clarkson Schreave. A man my father was no fan off. But Maxon wasn't like his father. At least that's what Celeste had said.

"Hey, Maxon, right?" He nodded, slowing his car to match her pace. She was glad that they weren't on a busy road.

"You want me to give you a ride?"

"No, just out for a walk."

"Heading to the park?"

"Yeah, you headed there too?" There's humor in my voice. I doubt he's headed there.

"No exactly. But I wanted to get away. Can I meet you at the park?" I raise my eyebrows. He flushes a bit.

"Just to talk," my mind races as I think of his intentions, "As friends." He quickly adds. I nod my head and he speeds ahead. I walk normally the rest of the way. The sky is bathed in oranges and reds. It really is beautiful. When I reach there Maxon is waiting, sitting on the swings. My heart warms a little but I push the feeling away, reminding myself of what happened next time. We would be friends. And nothing more. Nothing more. Right?

I sat next to him. He looked up, smiling. I chuckled a little, glancing around the playground. A memory resurfacing.

"Why are you laughing?"

"My siblings and I used to play playground tag all the time when we were younger. This playground would be perfect." He smiles, an edge of sadness.

"That sounds fun. I've always wanted siblings."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I'm an only child."

"Well, you could always borrow one of mine," I joke.

"Yeah," he says sadly, kicking the mulch in front of him. My gut twists at his sadness. For some reason I don't like the fact that there's a frown on his face.

"I used win a lot though," I note staring at the playground in front of me. He looks up in confusion. "I bet you can't catch me." His eyebrows shoot up and he grins.

"Is that a challenge, my dear?"

I stand dramatically, "I'm not your dear. It is if you accept." He stands and I get ready.

"I'll give you a ten second head start." I laugh as I bolt towards the trees. I'm only halfway across when I hear him shout ten behind me. He sure did count fast. I laugh and I dash towards the thick forest, happiness bubbling in me. I dart behind a cluster of trees, pressing my back into the trunk. Covering my mouth to muffle my loud, breathy laughs.

I hear the crunch of leaves as he stalks closer. "America, you can't hide from me," He calls. His steps quiet and I hold my breath.

"Ha," he jumps beside me. I shriek and bolt forward as a last ditch attempt to get away. He runs swiftly and wraps his hands around me and I shriek again, turning in his arms. I take in his childlike grin and brown eyes. My heart warms again and I gasp losing my footing. His eyes widened and we both crash into the leaf covered ground.

We seperate, laughing on the leaf covered ground, rolling. I get up, dusting leaves off of me. He does the same, his eyes are sparkling. I smile back, happiness bubbling over. No, no, no. He was just a friend. He had a girlfriend anyway. I looked past him at the darkening sky.

I pluck a leaf from my hair, " I should head back before it gets dark."

"I can drive you."

"No it's fine. I can walk."

"I insist," he smirks, "Consider it my reward." I roll my eyes and follow him to the car. We chat aimlessly about school and Ms. Silvia in the short ride to my house. He drops me off in front of my house, a smile still spread across his face.

"See you tomorrow," he calls, giving an exaggerated wave. I laugh.

"See you," I whisper as his car disappears into the darkening sky. I stare up at the stars. I really was starting to like Angeles County. When I turned I saw Kenna's car parked by the house. I grinned, I hadn't seen her in two months since I'd seen her and my niece Astra. Could life get any better?

Maxon POV:

My smile waned as I got closer to my ominous home. I was glad she hadn't asked me what I was doing in that part of town. I didn't feel like telling her that I had run out of supplies. And out of sheer pride I refused to go to the nearby stores to obtain them. So my father would never know that I needed to use a first aid kit. And his reach was too strong in the city. He would eventually find out.

I pulled into my driveway, glad to see my father's car there. I stepped into the empty house, my footsteps echoed in the hall. I sighed, hanging my jacket on a chair knowing that it'd be in its right place by morning. Mother had been nursing a headache when I had left so she probably was asleep.

My dinner was already set up. A small plate on a wholly empty dining table. The chair screeched as I sat down. I sat slowly and ate fast. I hated days like this. Days when I didn't have even my mother for company. Days when even when I had everything, I had nothing. I left my plate there, congratulating myself on finishing my dinner within ten minutes. I dragged myself up the stairs putting the first aid kit under my underwear.

I fell into bed and a knock echoed through my room. " Maxon, sir."

"Yes, Anne?"

"Do you require anything before I leave? Mary will be here shortly."

"No, nothing. Thank you Anne." She nodded, closing the door. I stretched my back and pulled the covers over my head. A blue eyed girl with red hair flashed in front of my vision. America. I turned, facing the ceiling. My clothes would be wrinkled in the morning, but I didn't care. I closed my eyes and her face flashed again.

And for the first time in a while, I fell asleep with a smile.

So guys, how was it? Should I continue with this? Don't forget to comment and check out my bio. Love you all!

- Fae