Hi guys, what did you think of the first chapter? Please write reviews, I want to know how I can improve. This chapter has some Maxon in it. Enjoy!
When I get back to my room, I start to wonder about Maxon. He didn't look at me during breakfast, but maybe he was just too deep in thought. Too deep in thought about what? Who to eliminate? Would he eliminate me? "No", I tell myself firmly. I couldn't be insecure, Maxon said he loved me. He could have eliminated me last night, but didn't. Keeping that thought in mind, I walk out to the balcony. It was a beautiful day, clear skies and sunshine, with a cool breeze. Closing my eyes, I inhale the scent of lilacs and roses. It's the clearest my head has been for days. I enjoy the peace for a little while longer, when I hear a knock on my door.
I rush to open it, hoping Maxon will be there, but it is only Sylvia. "Hello Sylvia, please come in." I say politely. "Thank you Lady America.", she says, walking in. "Now, we have some very important things to discuss." "Uh-oh" I think. This might take awhile. "First of all, there is a Report in two days, which you must be prepared for", she tells me. I groan. The last Report I was on almost got me kicked out of the Selection. "Now, now, don't fret. I know the last one was a failure, but you can improve." Way to make me feel better. "The king has given me a script he expects you to memorize, explaining your rash behavior to the nation." Wow. This is going to be harder than I thought. Having to take back everything I said in front of the country? Would I do that for Maxon? Yes, I would have to. I've come this far. "Ok", I say tentatively. I hold out my hand, and she hands me a stack of papers. "Remember, this must be memorized in two days."she says slowly, making sure I understand. I nod. "There's something else, Lady America, but it is completely confidential, do you understand?" she asks. I nod again. "The queen wants to speak with you tonight, at 5:00, in the princess suite. You must tell no one."she speaks in hushed tones. "Understood?" "Yes", I reply. I wonder what the queen wants to talk to me about. "I had better get going, Lady America, thank you for your time." She stands and exits, leaving me confused.
I decide to go talk to Maxon, just to see how he's feeling. When I am at his door, I hear a conversation going on inside. "You know I love you Maxon, I really do." It's Kriss! How will Maxon reply? "My dear, I love you too." I hear Kriss giggle. "But you are not the only one I love, as you must understand." I feel such relief it's overwhelming. "I understand, Maxon." Kriss sighs. "I just wish it was you and me, with no America, no Elise, and no Celeste." There's a long pause before he replies. "Maybe it will turn out that way, my dear, we'll just have to see." "Ok" is what she says. I hear her say goodbye and start to walk towards the door, so I run behind a column and wait until she leaves. Then I enter Maxon's room.
"Hello Maxon", I say. Maybe he doesn't want to see me. I'm so stupid, always acting before thinking. I am about to turn around and walk out when he says,"Hello my dear, my America." His America! I feel giddy with relief, and walk over to him. He is at his desk, sitting in a hard wooden chair. "How are you Maxon?" I ask. He looks tired, worn out. A lock of his blonde hair falls into his eyes and I brush it away. He takes my hand and pulls me close, so I am sitting on his leg. "Everything's just...I don't know... so hard. I don't want to make this choice, America!" he exclaims. "I know Maxon, I know" I whisper, stroking his hair. "He catches my hand and kisses it, then sets it on my lap. He leans in, his dark brown eyes staring into mine. "I love you", he says. Then he touches his lips to my nose, my cheek, and finally my mouth. The kiss slowly spreads a warm feeling inside me, like honey. "I love you too," I say, pulling back. "We had better get going, it's almost lunch time." I stand, pulling him up with me, and we head down to the dining hall.