Ch. 13
DISCLAIMER:all rights go to Kiera Cass for writing and owning the selection trilogy and to Taylor Swift for the songs/quotes I use! Also to Veronica Roth I use a character of hers and some quotes.
A/n
Quick notes before the chapter begins. I'm glad all the people who told who they did. ( now this will work great *winky face*) oh god I can't wait. Hmmm this chapter s either going to be veryyyyy long or you will get two chapters in one night *another winky face* so ya. I loved reading all the reviews and feel so happy by all the nice ones. (And to the occasional hater-if you have nothing to say, say nothing at all! This is my version if the story, I'm not a pro it's not going to be perfect!) but to all the nice ones thanks for all the support and love! You guys are the best and help me past the haters so thanks! Now enjoy this chapter...ohhh wait btw this chapter is gonna have alot of taylor quotes/songs. (the chapter number...13! Sorry to anyone who doesn't like her, I'm a major swiftie...) so enjoy! Now Im done!
America's POV.
It's about 9:45 when I look at the clock. Everyone's gone to dinner, and are probably on bed. When my maids came to get me ready, then cheer me up I literally screamed at them to get out. Nobody else has come by, except for Aspen occasionally opening the door to check on me, then closing it again giving me a nod.
I'm huddled I'm a corner and now it's nearly 10:30 when I hear a knock. I don't answer expecting it to be Aspen, but when the door opens the rest of the way I hear a evil snicker.
"Who's there" I say between labored breaths.
"Just me, Kriss" I hear, now knowing its Kriss answer.
"What do you want?" I shoot at her.
"Oh just to check on you, make sure your okay" she says with an evil grin I don't like.
"Ya right" I snarl. "What do you REALLY want?"
"Well there is one thing" she says innocently.
"Well spit it out" I mutter now huddled back in a ball.
"You know how we said we tell each other everything going on between Maxon and us?" She asks.
Suddenly not liking where this is headed I say "yes?"
"Well I thought I should just tell you so you wouldn't be too surprised when Maxon announces it" she says pausing and pulling something out of the pocket of her robe. "He proposed to me, America I won" she squeals. I feel my draw drop. I look at the ring and by the looks of it, it can't be fake. The ring has probably 15 diamonds in it and is just gorgeous-too expensive for a 3 to buy.
"No" I say tears falling down my face "this can't be true"
"It is, America face it you weren't going to win" she says smiling and placing ring on her perfect finger.
"Get out of my room" I almost yell but control myself.
"Why? Don't want to face the truth anymore?" She says smirking cruelly.
"Now" I yell losing patience.
She just laugh cruelly showing off her ring. This has to be a nightmare. Why would he choose her? Her.
"Get the hell out of my room!" I scream completely losing all my patience.
"Oh I'm sorry he's in love with me" she says coldly not moving
I stand up and scream "I said now!"
"Just jealous you don't have this?" She says holding up her ring.
That's when any hope of self-control disappears and I just scream out in annoyance,anger, and sadness.
She just stands there laughing and i lung at her. She lets out a surprised shriek when my door burst open and Aspen comes over and grabs her.
"I think it's time for you leave" he says pulling her out the door before I could even rip one of her strands of perfect brown hair out.
When the door closes and I'm left alone again, the tears come out hot and strong again down my face.
KRISS'S POV
as I'm being dragged away all I can do is smirk, 'finally' I think 'that little twit is gone for good. Now I can Maxon all to myself'.
AMERICA'S POV
I've cried for so long I can't believe I'm not dehydrated yet and passed out. I have no idea what time it is when I feel a strong hand touch my shoulder. I flinch away
"My dear, what's wrong?" I hear someone asks
"Get the hell out Maxon" I growl thinking its Maxon since whoever it was called me 'my dear'.
"Not Maxon" the voice says. Ok it's not Maxon...it can't be Josh...it hits me
"Theo?" I say helplessly.
"Bingo!" He says. "Now can you tell me what's wrong?"
"Really? Do you really want to know?" I ask doubting he would.
"Well that's what friends do, correct?" He says.
"I guess" I say as another tear falls down my face.
"Well, what is it?" He says "that could make America Singer cry so bad?"
"Well, it's Maxon" I say.
"Oh no"
"Oh yes, he's a jerk. He wants me to be honest and when I am he, h-he doesn't believe me!" I say letting more tears fall. Theo stays silent urging me to keep going.
"And he lied. About everything, about us" I say crying harder. "He chose Kriss" I whisper
"No," he says seeming just as shocked "that bitch?"
That makes me laugh lightly "yes that bitch"
"Wait how come you know but no one else?" He asks.
"She wanted to tell me first I guess" I say shrugging and letting more tears fall. Of course Maxon would want her she's so elegant and perfect, and I'm, I'm just a mess with a bad temper.
"That's cold" he says.
"Ya" I mumble.
"So what are you going to Do?" He asks. Suddenly realizing I have to make a choice now.
"I-I think I'm leaving" I say finally. Knowing its the right descion since Maxon has already made up her mind.
"Are you positive?" He asks.
"Yes"
"Then lets get you back home." He says standing up.
"Oh no I'm not staying in Illea." I say. "I can't" I whisper.
"What? Why" he says.
"I can't live here everyday seeing the man I thought I loved and loved me back, with another women" I answer weakly, trying to stop crying.
"Well if your sure...' He says pausing looking at me.
"I am"
"Then you can come back to England with me. I was supposed to leave yesterday with my family and the guest, but decided to stay and cause get some chaos." He says chuckling.
"Really? You'll help me get out of here"
"Of course, I'll just leave a little earlier. Good thing I got my last prank in" he says now laughing.
"What did you do?" I ask giggling wanting to know what he has done.
"Oh nothing, just may have put a bomb in Maxon's room" he says
"What?!" I yell. Just because I hated him now didn't mean I wanted him to die!
'Oh relax! It's not a bomb, bomb. It's a stink bomb" he says cracking up.
"And how on earth did you get one of those?" I ask giggling.
"Easy. I'm really close to some of the guards who are in control of weapons here" he says.
"Oh my " I say now both of us in fits of laughter.
"Okay, okay" he says after a while. "Now back to more important things...are you packed at all?"
"A little" I say pointing towards my half-full suitcase, from when this all first went down. I had eventually stopped when I thought we would make up. Boy was I wrong.
"Okay, it's about 1 o'clock..." He says looking at his watch, "The soonest I can get us out with out anyone knowing is probably 2:30..." He finishes.
"That's perfect" I say knowing it won't take me long to pack, and I do want to write a few notes.
"Good, I'll meet you here in an hour" he says walking out.
By the time I'm done packing its 1:25. I smile knowing soon, I'll be out of all this drama. I've packed my many favorite dresses my maids have made and all the stuff I brought from home. I also packed a little bag with some of the few makeup items my maids had used on me. I also packed some few other cosmetics.
I also threw in all my notebooks and song/music stuff. And when I'm done my large suit case is nearly full. I walk over to my closet and grab a guitar case I found in there a while ago. I grab the beautiful guitar of its stand and place it gently inside. 'I figure I mine as well take something I'll use everyday with me' I think while closing it in securely.
When I'm finish I place it all by the door and sit down at my desk to write 3 quick notes.
The first one I write is to my maids- thanking them for all they have done.
The second one is to my family-telling them where I am and that I'm safe. I also mention that they can come to England if they want to.
And the third is to Maxon- I figure I should say my few last words to him and not leave him in the dark about this all.
When I finish, I securely put them all in envelopes. I make sure to make my family's letters extra secure, so no one can open it without a knife.
When I'm finished and looking over my room one last time knowing I don't have much time till we leave I notice the heart collage of pictures Maxon had made for me. I go over to look at them again, scolding myself for not remembering it.
As I look over the pictures I see some ones from happier times. I don't want to leave all my memories behind. I think going over to my desk and grabbing an envelope.
Quickly I pick off all the pictures and put them in. When I reach the last one in the middle, the one of me and Maxon, I grab a pair of scissors. I put them down the middle of my photo, as I'm about to cut it I hear a knock on my door.
"You ready?" I hear Theo asks, I instantly relax and answer back "yes just a minute."
I quickly cut down the middle of the photo, breaking us two apart. I feel a tear fall down my cheek. 'It'll be okay, I'll be okay" I think walking over and unsealing Maxon's letter before sticking the two pieces of paper inside and re-sealing the envelope.
I walk over to the door, grab my suitcase and guitar case and take a deep breath. I open the door to see Theo and Aspen talking. Oh no I forgot about Aspen.
I look to Theo 'may we have a moment?' I ask.
"Of course"
"Aspen" I say weakly
"America, I already know, it's ok" aspen says.
"Really?"
"Of course, I'm glad your doing this it's the right choice" he says looking deep into my eyes with his green ones.
"Thank you," I say before hugging him. "Take care of yourself, stay safe. Keep your family safe and I'll miss you" I say into his shoulder another tear falling down my cheek.
"I will America, just remember I will always be there." He says. I giggle how come everyone is saying this?
"Goodbye" I say kissing his cheek.
"Until next time, America" he says nodding his head.
I walk away then and catch up with Theo.
"Who was that?" He asks.
"Just somebody I knew from home' I answer
"Okay, well you finally ready?" He asks
"Yes"
"Let's go then" he says picking up his and my suit case before we quietly walk out of the palace, we take a back way so no one notices us leaving- not even a guard.
MAXON'S POV.
I wake up the next morning, my room smelling much better from that damn stink bomb i figure theo had but in my room. I touch my face, feeling weird from the few dried tears I had shed before I drifted off to sleep. I'm so upset me and America got into another fight. I hated fighting with her.
I get out of bed and change into some jeans and a nice button-down. Since its a Saturday, I can dress down a little. I comb out my mess of blonde locks and look in the mirror. When I do I look ok, I guess. I look extremely stressed (which I was) and I have dark circles under my eyes from getting so little sleep last night.
As I look around my room I see a picture of America and figure I should go and try and fix things. Hoping she'd Change her mind about leaving. I really only ever cared for and loved her in this whole competition and don't want her to leave, where I'm stuck choosing someone I don't have any feelings for.
As I'm about to leave my butler Burst through the door with my mother and father right behind. I don't like the look on his face and my mother's which is pure distress and sadness. But my father just smirked in the corner.
"Sorry for not knocking but this is urgent." Frank-my butler- says.
"Oh well what is it?" I ask curious.
"Here" my mother says tears in her eyes "it's for you, a letter from America.'
"Oh, what's so urgent about that?" I ask smiling and taking the letter "I was about to go see her anyways." And then it happens my mother burst into tears.
"Mom? What's wrong?" I ask looking at Frank. He just shakes his head.
"Well son," my father says, I forgot he was even here "I'm afraid that's not going to happen"
What? What did he mean? I give them all confused looks and say
"What do you mean?"
"Oh god" frank says. My mother is now sobbing and my father is holding her tightly while smirking.
"You can't" my father says.
"What! Why?!" I ask now angered.
"She's no longer here..." My mother squeaks.
Right then and there my heart breaks. This can't be true. "No" I say "no this can't be true!" I scream.
"I'm afraid it is." My father says.
"No, do we know where she went?" I ask.
"No" Frank says "we contacted her family and they do not know."
"What? What did you tell them then?" I say
"Well, she also had a letter for them. So we sent it as soon as we could, we told them that they should receive it tonight." My mother says between whimpers. Before I could respond frank cuts in again
"Although we do have a hunch she might have headed somewhere with Prince Theo since he is missing also" he finishes.
"W-what?" I say. How could Theo do that? And not tell me. I then look down and see she had wrote me a letter. I feel a warm tear slide down my cheek.
"May I be alone now?" I ask holding in the tears. The only girl I love in this competition is gone.
"Yes of course" my mother says walking towards me ushering the other two out. When we're alone she gives me a tight hug and whispers
"I'm so sorry, I know you loved her"
She then walks out of the room, leaving me alone to read America's last words to me. As I open the letter two little pieces of paper fall out. I bend down a pick them up noticing there part of a photograph.
I flip them over and instantly wish I hadn't. It's the picture of me and America. She had cut it down the middle separating us. I'm now more scared then ever to read the letter. But I do, I have too. I need to know.
I slowly unseal the letter and read it,
Dear Maxon,
I keep going back over things we both said,
And I remember the slamming door and all the things that I misread. But sometimes people are wrong. And that I was.
I've paced back and forth all this time, Cause I honestly believed in you.
Maybe I was naïve, Got lost in your eyes And never really had a chance. Did I?
I had so many dreams About you and me, Happy endings, Our happily ever after.. And so much more. Now I know that was never going to happen. Was it?
People are people, and sometimes we change our minds, I know, But it's killing me to see you go after all this time. I Hope you know this Is not easy for me, and I know it's never simple, never easy.. Its not supposed to be. Never a clean break, no one's here to save me, yet again.
But before I go there's one thing I need to know...
You told me you loved me
So why did you go?
In silent screams, In wildest dreams I never thought it'd end like this.
I guess I was foolish for I honestly believed we'd never have our last kiss.
I'll miss the conversations with the little white lies.
And when i look at the faded picture of a beautiful night
I'll break down crying, was she worth this mess?
After everything Maxon, I must confess, I need you.
And I love you so that's why I'm letting go... And leaving because I happen to know you don't return the feelings. I need to leave before my heart gets truly wreaked. And so I can take time and slowly put it back together again.
Go do what you want, cause I guess I'm not what you wanted.
It's such a shame, what a rainy ending given to a 'perfect' love.
Im Just walking away, no use defending words that you will never say.
And now that I'm sitting here thinking it through, I've never seen anything as cruel as this.
Why would you want to break a perfectly good heart? Why would you want to take my love and tear it all apart? Why would wanna make another scar?
These questions forever will be running through my head. And yes Maybe I should've seen the signs, should've read the writing on the wall.
And realized by the distance in your eyes that I would be the one to fall.
No matter what you say, I still can't believe
That you would walk away.
It just doesn't make sense to me
But I'll have to deal with it and move on. It was your choice not mine. But...
One day i hope the sun shines And it's a beautiful day
And something reminds you, You wish you had stayed.
You can plan for a change in weather and time,
But I never planned on you changing your mind.
Just know one thing before I'm out of your life forever,
I will always be there.
Goodbye.
Yours Truly,
(Not your dear)
America.
P.S, I still love you.
I break down crying now. I can't stop the tears any longer. She had loved me and I was foolish enough to let her go.
As the tears flow from my eyes I think about our last fight, her letter, and wonder where she is. I finally can't take it anymore and run out my door and down the halls till I reach her room, the whole time tears streaming down my face.
When I reach her room i look around, a few things are missing here and there, and I realize she's really gone. I sit on her bed and cry. She's really gone is all I think about.
After what seems like hours my mother comes in.
"I thought I'd find you here." She says with a sad smile.
"Ya" I say drying my eyes with my handkerchief.
"Well, your father wants you to announce it to the other girls." She says.
"Mom, I can't. I don't like any of them. I can't and won't choose one to be my wife" I whimper.
"I know" she's says "but they do deserve to know. Besides we're looking for her, and when we find her you can call her back"
"I guess your right" I say standing up with her and head towards the dining hall. I look at my watch quietly and see the time, it's 12:30. Just In time for lunch. I've been in here for nearly 4 hours.
When we reach the dining hall I hesitate. My mom gives me an encouraging smile before walking in herself. A couple minutes later I walk in. When I look at the other Elite I see Kriss happy as ever, and unreadable Celeste, a concerned Elise, and an extremely worried Marlee. I also notice America's empty seat. I almost break down crying right there.
I walk over to my seat and sit down, I don't eat a thing. I eventually find the courage to stand up.
"Um, excuse me, I'd like to make an announcement" I say not looking at anyone as the room goes silent. I don't know how I said the next part but I did.
"As you all may notice, Lady America isn't here" I say I notice Kriss smirking out of the corner of my eye. 'This is just what she wanted isn't it?' I think
"Well it was brought to my attention this morning that she has left without warning. I'm very sorry to inform you all, but she is no longer here" I say choking on the last words and with that I silently walkout of the room.
Moments later I hear someone calling my name.
"Maxon, oh Maxon"
I spin to see Kriss.
"What?" I ask shortly.
"You know Maxon, you don't have to get mean with me just because you had to eliminate that little trouble maker" she says and I'm astounded
"I didn't eliminate her Kriss, now go and leave me alone before I eliminate you" I say before spinning to be alone.
As I get to my room I see Marlee approaching me.
"Hi " she says very gloomy.
"Hello" I say.
"Maxon" she says taking a long sigh. "I'm leaving also, I don't want to be here anymore."
"What?" I say. If I HAD to choose anybody left here it was going to be Marlee.
"Face it you know there is nothing between us, I was only staying to support America. And now that she's gone there's nothing keeping me here" she says
"Ok if that's what you want" I say no longer caring
"Thank you for understanding besides someone else has my heart" she says looking at Guard woodwork he takes her hand and they walk away.
~1 week later~
"Your majesty!" I hear someone say from the door. I was in the middle of a meeting and still very upset about America.
"Yes?" I say a little impatient.
"We've found here!" He says. I've never run so fast.
"Where? Where is she?" I ask helplessly once were out of the meeting room.
"Well she's in England" he says "she's staying with Theo, you know what here look for yourself" he says taking me to a room and playing a video.
When it plays she's in an interview with Theo.
"So America, tell us what brought you to England?" The reporter says
"Well, the selection was beginning to become to much to handle and I really needed to get out before my heart got totally wreaked" she says with a light giggle. She looks beautiful, her long fiery hair falls into perfect curls and she's wearing a sweater and a scarf.
"Ah I guess I can see that. Now tell us the third day you were here in England, you were signed a record deal, your single 'last kiss' is a huge hit worldwide, did you ever expect to become famous for singing?" The reporter asks making her smile her beautiful smile.
"No I didn't. Honestly it's a dream come true" she says politely. I didn't know she was famous for her music.
"Ok next question, where are you staying?"
"Oh Theo has been kind enough to let me into his home until my place Is ready" she answers kindly. I'm going to kill Theo.
"Oh that's sweet Theo, the reporter says so are you two just friends?" The reporter asks cocking an eyebrow.
American answers right away "oh god, yes. We're very close friends in fact but that's all" Theo nods his head in return.
"Ok then" the reporter says 'what kind of mark has Maxon left?"
America looks astounded but answers eventually
"Well," she sighs "defintally a big one, but one day I'll be over it. Sometimes you have to move on and that I shall" she finishes. My heart hurts even more.
"Well America since your going to be the next hottest singer ever, your voice is just incredible by the way" the reporter says
"Thank you" America says blushing.
"Well I thought we should have a close friend of yours pay a little visit." The reporter says.
"What?" America asks giggling.
"Please every one give a warm welcome to Prince Josh Hutcherson!" The reporter announces.
America's face is filled with joy and surprise and I can't help but feel jealous when she runs into his arms. He whispers something into her ear and makes her smile. When the applause eventually dies down And they separate the reporter continues by saying,
"Why don't you two sing a little for us?"
They look at each other and nod.
and I know I've made a terrible mistake and need to get her back.
AMERICA'S POV
it's been one week since I have left, and let me just say everything has been going great, between the people and my music, well except for the heart break. God how much I wish I was still with Maxon. But right now I'm in the middle of a interview and think about that.
"Well America since your going to be the next hottest singer ever, your voice is just incredible by the way" the reporter says
"Thank you" I reply making me blush and look down.
"Well I thought we should have a close friend of yours pay a little visit." The reporter says. What does she mean? I wonder
"What?" I ask giggling
"Please every one give a warm welcome to Prince Josh Hutcherson!" The reporter announces.
"What!?" I say glad the cameras cut to the entrance on stage and I see Josh walk out smiling and waving till his eyes land on me.
I can't help but run over and embrace him and when I do I glad I did. He hugs me tightly back and whispers in my ear
'I thought I'd never see you again' and all I do is smile.
When the crowds finally die down I see the reporter smiling before she says
"Why don't you two sing a little for us?"
We look at each other and nod. He whispers something in my ear,
"How about 'mine' I love that one" how does he know that song I wrote? I wonder
"Yes, but how do you..." He cuts me off
"I have my ways" he says smirking and making me laugh. He grabs my hand and leads me to the performing stage. The band begins to play and were off. I start first
"Uh, oh, oh
Uh, oh, oh
You were in college working part time waiting tables
Left a small town, never looked back
I was a flight risk with a fear of fallin'
Wondering why we bother with love if it never lasts
I say "Can you believe it?
As we're lying on the couch?"
The moment I can see it.
Yes, yes, I can see it now."
Now we're both singing
"Do you remember, we were sitting there by the water?
You put your arm around me for the first time.
You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter.
You are the best thing that's ever been mine."
Now josh is...
"Flash forward and we're taking on the world together,
And there's a drawer of my things at your place.
You learn my secrets and you figure out why I'm guarded,
You say we'll never make my parents' mistakes."
Now me... Wow he's good
"Do you remember, we were sitting there by the water?
You put your arm around me for the first time
You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter
You are the best thing that's ever been mine.
Do you remember all the city lights on the water?
You saw me start to believe for the first time
You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter
You are the best thing that's ever been mine."
Now we both sing the rest, man I'm really enjoying this.
"Oh, oh, oh, oh
And I remember that fight
Two-thirty AM
As everything was slipping right out of our hands
I ran out crying and you followed me out into the street
Braced myself for the "Goodbye."
'Cause that's all I've ever known
Then you took me by surprise
You said, "I'll never leave you alone."
You said, "I remember how we felt sitting by the water.
And every time I look at you, it's like the first time.
I fell in love with a careless man's careful daughter.
She is the best thing that's ever been mine."
Hold on, make it last
Hold on, never turn back
You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter
You are the best thing that's ever been mine.
(Hold on) do you believe it?
(Hold on) we're gonna make it now.
(Hold on) and I can see it,
(Yes, yes) I can see it now (see it now, see it now...)"
We finish and we look at each other smiling.
Maybe I can compromise with this heart break.
A/n
Wow that was long, I was going to post this like 2 hours ago but the typing took forever!
I hope you enjoy. (Btw Kriss is supposed to be evil in my version. This is not Keria Cass's version of Kriss, just saying).
Anyways enjoy and all I have to say is... Don't worry maxerica fans.
Bye