Yess! New chapter!

At the rate I'm going with this story, there's going to be sooooo many chapters. I'm trying to make this all in real time (it's February right now, so it's February in the story) but it will change soon(?)

And please take a moment to vote in my poll. I really need it to know the direction I'm going to take with the story. Please, please, please. Thank you!

Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: all Selection rights belong to the wonderful Kiera Cass

Ring. Ring.

I looked up from my book.

"America, could you pick up the phone?" mom asked from the kitchen. She was preoccupied with drying the dishes.

I set the book down and reached for the home phone across the table.

"Hey," I said.

"Hey America, it's Kenna. Is mom there?" she asked.

"Yeah. Just wait a bit," I said.

I got up off the couch and handed the phone off to mom.

"Kenna," I said.

She nodded and took it away from me. In exchange, she gave me the small towel she was using and silently told me to finish the chores.

I nodded and watched mom walk to the living room, a small escape from her busy, stressful life.

I quietly groaned at myself. I should have been helping mom instead of reading that book, especially since finals were done. Ever since that talk with dad, I've been trying to help mom more, relieving her from household tasks and picking May and Gerad up from school after mine had finished. I would sometimes catch a funny glance from her, questioning the change in her daughter's actions.

A loud gasp caught my attention and I saw mom look equally excited and exhausted.

I didn't want to invade whatever secrets mom and Kenna may be sharing, so I went back to wiping the plates.

My phone suddenly buzzed with an incoming call. I put the towel and plate down and picked it up.

"Hello?" I asked.

"Hey princess," the voice at the other end said. Maxon. I smiled.

"Hello, my prince. How are you?"

"Extravagant. And you?"

"Fine, more or less," I sighed.

"Wanna talk about it on our date tonight?"

"We have a date?"

"We do now. That is, if you want to go."

"Yeah. At the park?"

"Alright. But please bring a coat this time. I don't want to catch a cold again."

I laughed. "Okay."

"Okay. See you tonight."

"See you."

As I was hanging up, I realized my heart was thudding steadily. My stomach had concocted a serum to make me nervous. I loved this feeling so much.

"America, darling?" mom asked.

A smile was plastered on her face and she said, "Kenna's coming."

Maxon put his hand on the small of my back and led me over to the same bench we sat at last time.

"Are you okay, my dear?" he asked. "You look...distressed."

I sighed.

"It's just that my mom's really tired and Kenna's coming tomorrow. Her baby's due in a week, so we're going to have three more people staying in our overcrowded home."

He bit his lip in thought and said, "This probably sounds really weird, but you could come over to my place if it gets too overwhelming for you."

I laughed and said, "I like your offer, but I think I'll be fine. They're my family, so I think I'd still want to stick with them."

He ducked his head. I couldn't tell if it was the cold or my comment that tinged his cheeks pink.

"But if they get too rowdy, I'll come," I quickly added, suddenly feeling embarrassed.

It was his turn to smile. "All right. We'll be prepared just in case."

"I'll hold you to it."

Maxon's fingers laced through mine and I felt myself melt into a puddle despite the cold.

"Thanks for doing so much for me," I said.

He waved it away.

"No, really. How could I ever repay you?"

He frowned. "You don't have to repay me."

"Well, I'm going to give you something either way. I just hope what I'm giving you isn't too lame."

With that, I wrapped my hands around his neck and kissed him. A sweet, mellow kiss, something that conveyed happiness, thankfulness, and frankly, something even deeper. It wasn't love, but I felt like we were more than just friends.

He put his hands around my waist and pulled me a bit closer to him. Our lips molded together, and I couldn't help but feel that maybe we were meant to be. Maybe I was destined to meet Maxon. But a small part of me still told me that I shouldn't be feeling this way.

Nevertheless, our kiss deepened. My heart felt like bursting from contentment as my hands made their way into his hair. He was mine. I knew it. Not even Celeste could take him away from me. And I was his.

We finally broke apart, gasping for air. I smiled as he gave me another light kiss.

"Darling, that wasn't lame," he said, "That was perfect."

Hope you enjoyed!

I have a sequel planned for the story. I'm probably going to post that after this either way because I want to work on my writing skills. For anyone who might be struggling with writing, I suggest you try fanfiction writing. There are many people who will help you, you can gain experience, and it's really fun!

Time for review replies!

SorryI'mReading: Omgggg! I got so excited when I saw your review! Hope you're okay with school now. I am really shipping Keadlyn! And omg, that's honestly the most miraculous thing I've ever heard. You paused your song for my story? *cries* Anyway, yes the script is terrible. They tried making two CWs, you know? The second one was definitely worse. And I'm not really sure what universities I want to go to yet. Still deciding! I really like the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer and The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. There are so many books I want to get it's not even funny... And my favourite Selection book was probably The One, because Maxerica was so so so cute in that! And Desiree was just a small side character, but she might be mentioned again. I'm sorry, though. I'm only going to be writing in America's POV and occasionally Maxon's. I'm also sorry that I can't update very much, but I hope you enjoyed this one!

morethanjustastory: aww thx!

Maxerica15: Thank you! I heard the 5th wave is really good, and I want to watch the movie and read the book. Anyway, I honestly love you because you're shipping Keadlyn. They are so so so adorable I can't even! Thank you!

Someone the World Forgot: Thx! And I didn't even know about Lena and stuff. I was basing it off of Marlee and Carter, like how they were basically outcasts but then Maxon provided refuge for them. And yeah, that's the Simon Fraser I was talking about. That's so cool that you're going there! Thank you so much for your reviews!

Thank you everyone for reading, favouriting, following, and reviewing my story! I love all of you guys so much!

Bye!