Hi, Everyone! I have decided to include the first part of ASSURANCE here. The complete first chapter will be available sometime within the next two weeks. I hope you enjoy it. If you'd like, comment on whether the story should continue. :) As always, thanks for reading! -SJ :)

Dearest Calix Shalom,

You'll have to excuse me, but I can't help but become nostalgic today. It's hard for me to believe that twenty-two years ago, your father and I were just bringing you into the world. I was no older than you are now. And here you are about to graduate to a new life as an adult! Forgive me for the cliché, but it all happened so quickly. In what seemed like blinks of our eyes, you were walking, talking, conspiring against your poor sister with your brothers following every move, requesting to attend University, now poised to graduate with honors.

The crown is a heavy weight, and every step you have taken has prepared you to carry it. The dedication to your people is honorable, my son. The choices you have made so far have not been easy. But the choices you made have been right ones, made out of a deep love for Illea and respect for yourself and our family.

I am so proud of the man that you have become. I am so proud of the man that you will be.

All my love,

Mama

I run my fingers over Mom's looping script, close the birthday card, then place it gently on the bedside table. I ease into bed, pulling the slumbering dark-haired woman back into the crook of my arm. It's as if she is made to fit there. Closing my eyes, I try to push away the thoughts that flood my head. The main one on repeat: My love has never felt like it has been mine to give away. What will my parents say when I tell them there will be no Selection?

If Mom could see me right now, she might not be so proud.

Responses to your comments on AFTER: First of all, so many of you are repeat reviewers, and I appreciate that so much. I would have never thought to write a sequel without your support. Thanks so much! XOXO -SJ

coralsea25: Thanks! :)

Strike OOO: Thanks for your suggestions! And your reviews were always so positive, and your belief in my ability to write a good story. Hope you like the chapter portion! :)

SelectionLoverForever: Thanks so much-glad you enjoyed it! :)

The Devil Wears Westwood: I will try to get parts of the story out sooner, but August is a goal I know I can reach. The original story will be on Wattpad soon, and is called THAT WHICH KNOWS. I'll pm you a link when it comes out. :)

sushi: You are so sweet-thanks! :)

fantasybookgirl: Wow-thanks. Let me know what you think! :)

Bookphanatic: Thanks! Hopefully, this chapter section does Calix justice... :)

luv2read4reading: Thanks! :)

agb1700: I am updating my profile, just for you. Thanks for all the support-it is so motivating! You're still AMAZINGER. ;)

kaylie2000: Thanks! Here's the first bit... :)

Molly: LOL-thanks! :)

waterpolo3: Made me giggle-thanks. :)

jthornestudent: Wow! Well, here you go! :)

Totalbooknerd13: Thanks! :)

Prnamber3909: *pats back* There, there. Thanks for all your fun reviews! Hope you like the first section of chapter 1. :)

Guest: Thanks so much. How sweet! :)

BlueGirl 1234: Great! Hope you like the first bit! :)

Happy reading! -SJ