Chapter 2 - Uncertainties

'My name is America,' I replied. 'And I want to say that it's nice to meet you, but that would be a lie.'

Aiden didn't respond. I sighed and turned my attention to the door. Now that the sun was rising I could see light coming through.

Then it struck me. I had been gone from the palace the entire night. I needed to get back. Now that I could see again I could find my way. I started to walk towards the door when Aiden spoke: 'I wouldn't go out there if I were you.'

'Why not? You killed that man.'

'Yes, but that is not the one who chased you from the palace.'

'So?'

Aiden sighed and got up. 'That rebel could still be out there.'

Even if he was, he wouldn't do anything to me in front of the village, would he?

'If you really want an answer to whether or not he would kill you, go ahead. I won't stop you.'

'Then why did you save me?'

'I already told you,' Aiden said slightly irritated. 'I didn't save you. I killed him.'

'Why?'

'Because I had to.'

'Who told you to kill him?' I demanded to know. 'Who are you working for? Are you a rebel?'

'So many questions.'

'Are you going to-' I got interrupted by a beeping sound.

Aiden pulled his left sleeve up to reveal a bracelet. It was a simple bracelet, black and it had a red stone on it.

Before I could ask him about it he pressed the red stone and a voice began to speak: 'Blackshade, come in.'

'What is it?' Aiden answered the man's voice.

'What is your status?'

'Mission completed.'

'Good,' the man said. 'Return to base and wait for further instructions.'

'Copy that, Blackshade out.' Aiden pressed the button again.

Not sure it was a good idea to let Aiden know that I heard all that I asked: 'What was that?'

'That,' he said while he walked to the door, 'was my boss.'

'But how…?'

Aiden opened the door and walked into the street and left me standing. Wanting answers, I followed him.

I had to cover my eyes when I stepped into the sun-filled street. When my eyes had adjusted I turned my head left and right to find Aiden. There. He had just turned a corner. I went after him.

Just as I had catched up to him, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me into the wall. 'What do you think you're doing?'

'Following you,' I replied.

'Well, don't,' he said. 'I don't like being followed.'

'But I-'

'Go back to the palace, Lady America,' he said with emphasis on the word Lady. 'And enjoy living your life while it lasts.' He let go of me and walked away.

What was all that about? I ren after him. 'What do you mean, while it lasts?'

'I told you not to come after me.'

'I know,' I replied. 'I just didn't listen.'

He stopped and rubbed his forehead. 'I meant that even in the palace you're not safe.'

'I know that.'

'Then why on earth do you want to go back?' He asked, finally revealing some emotion. 'Why would you want to go back to that place?'

'Do you know about the Selection? Wait, you called me Lady, so you know. Then you also know why I need to go back.'

'That doesn't give me an answer.'

I frowned.

'You said why you need to go back to the palace. I asked you why you want to go back.'

'I… I.'

'Do you even want to go back?'

I didn't know the answer to that. Since the Selection was brought back to six and I was one of them, the other girls started to see me more and more as competition. No one talked to me, except Marlee. And my maids. Even Maxon didn't talk to me. Not after I said that I wanted to be with him. 'It doesn't matter. I have to go back.'

'Of course it matters,' Aiden said. 'Why do something that you know you'll regret?'

'I don't have a choice.'

'Of course you do! Everyone has a choice, America.'

Normally I would agree with him, but not this time. I belonged to Ilea the second I joined the Selection, something I never really thought about or regretted doing. Until now.

Cause I actually didn't want to go back to the palace. Were I was a member of the Selection. Were I had to act like I belonged. Cause that's what is was, an act. I wasn't a Lady and I never liked acting like one. Sure, the food and clothes were great. But I had to say goodbye to my family, couldn't do anything I wanted and most of all there was no one who saw me as more than just a participant.

Maxon does, my mind said to me. Marlee, Aspen, Anna, Mary and Lucy do.

Then why did Marlee started to ignore me? Why hasn't Maxon said anything to me since I confessed my feelings for him?

Aiden snapped my out of my thoughts as he grabbed my right arm and pushed me forward. 'Run.'

'What?' I turned to look at him.

Aiden took a hold of his knife. 'The town's hall is a few blocks ahead. Go, now!'

I looked into the street. There was nothing. Just an empty street. I wanted to tell him that but stopped when I saw his face. It was full of determination and a bit of anger. I nodded to him and started to run.

The people who were already up didn't looked at me, a girl in a gown running through the streets. Didn't they recognize me? Didn't they know who I was?

When I reached the town hall I pulled the door open, rushed inside and closed it. I had made it. I sat down on a bench and waited for Aiden. He would come to tell me it was safe, wouldn't he? Maybe he wouldn't. Maybe he just wanted to get rid of me. No, I reprimanded myself, he would not do that. I had seen the look on his face. There really was someone out there.

'Miss? Can I help you with something?'

I looked up to see a young woman with brown hair sitting behind a desk. Apart from the security guard, she was the only one here.

'I uh... I am waiting for someone,' I said.

The woman nodded. 'Let me know when-' She narrowed her eyes as if she could see better that way. Then they widened. 'Your America, aren't you? America Singer.'

I swallowed and look at the security guard who was walking toward me. 'Is that true? Are you Lady america Singer?'

Not knowing what to do I nodded. 'Yes.'

'What are you doing here?' he asked.

'The rebels attacked and chased me all the way out here,' I answered truthfully.

'Don't worry, miss,' the guard said, while he walked to the door. 'I'll take a look outside.'

Then we were blown back by an explosion.