I'm not posting a formal Valentine's Day special, but since these chapters are centered around Valentine's Day, I may post a little bit more on Friday or I will post a short chapter on Friday and a short chapter on Valentine's Day (Tuesday 14th).

Thanks for reading!

-CL

I pull myself out of his arms and whip around. My back is to Maxon, but I'm facing the door. "Nothing. Let's just have our party."

I'm about to touch the door handle when Maxon gently tugs my arm. Everything's always gentle with him. It's like I'm made of glass. "Bella, please. Before they come, please tell me what's wrong."

"Fine. Just give me a second." I open the door and see America. "Hey, Maxon and I need to discuss something so you can either come in and wait or you can go see where Marlee, Carter, and Aspen are and tell them to wait a few minutes. Or whatever you want besides eavesdropping in on our conversation." I think America can tell that I'm pissed because she nods and walks away from the door without a word. I slam the door shut and whip around to face Maxon. "Let's talk," I say, pulling him toward the bedroom. We stay standing, and Maxon knows not to come any closer. "You want to know why I'm pissed?"

"Yes, Bella," he says with a nod. He seems annoyed but nervous.

I start pacing around the room, using hand gestures. "Fine. When I lived with my family, they wouldn't be…kind, as you already know. Every single day they would point out your flaws and make fun of them. If you made a mistake you became a butt of a joke. Every single fucking day of my life. My household was so toxic that I couldn't take any sort of criticism or reminders without feeling ashamed. So when you just told me I should be more careful, it was like I was back in that toxic environment. I know that I have to be careful. It's not like I tried to trip. It happened, and if there was any way that I could have prevented it, I would have. I'm just so fucking sick of people pointing out obvious things that I shouldn't have done, but I did them, ok? I understand it was wrong, but I can't change it.

"So, yes, I'm mad at you. I just don't want to be treated like how I was before the Selection. I want to be treated right and be myself." I finish with a sigh. "I'm sorry that I was a bitch. I just…I'm sorry." I look him in the eyes to show him I'm genuine. "Fuck, Maxon. I'm so sorry." I bury my face in my hands, ashamed.

"Hey. Bella, it's ok," Maxon says. "I understand, Bella." He pulls me close, close enough to feel his clean-shaven face. "I'm sorry, my dear."

I feel my eyes, but I refuse to cry. I don't want to ruin my makeup. "Thanks, Maxon," I say. I allow my lips to touch his, but before the kiss gets too deep, I pull away. "I love you."

"I love you, too." Maxon and I walk toward the door holding hands.

I open the door and see our guests walking down the hallway. I walk out with Maxon. "Hurry up, slowpokes! We've got a party to get started!"

I hear America holler and soon Aspen, Marlee, and Carter join. "Let's go you guys," America says, reaching the door first.

They all enter the room and I close the door. I turn to face them. "Are you guys ready to start?"

"Hell yeah," Aspen shouts.

"Haven't you had enough to drink?" America asks. I can't tell if she's serious or not because she's smiling.

"Hell no," Aspen replies. He turns to Maxon. "Where are the drinks?"

I butt in. "Now, just wait a moment. I want to give you guys a tour before we get started. Although…" I say, grabbing the remote that starts the music. Maxon and I decided instead of live musicians we were just going to listen to a playlist from my phone. It makes this a little more private. I press a button and music starts playing softly. "Maxon, do you want to start the tour?"

"Only if you are right behind me," Maxon replies. I grin and trail after him.

We show them the whole suite, which includes both of the entirety of the King and Queen Suites. We finish with the main room for the party, which is like a sitting room. "And over here we have some food and drinks. And yes, there are some alcoholic drinks over here. But there are some non-alcoholic ones for you, Ames. Or for anyone who wants some. Shall we get started?" I ask.

"Let's go!" Aspen shouts. He's the first to the food; I hope he doesn't make a mess.

I step in line with America. "How many drinks has he had?" I whisper behind my hand.

"Nothing," America replies.

My jaw drops. "Then what's his problem?"

"I guess he's excited? I don't know," she responds. "Now, I hear some strawberry tarts calling my name. Excuse me." America rushes toward the strawberry tarts.

I laugh and step out of line. "Bella?" I turn around to face Marlee.

"Yes?" I ask.

"Do you think Carter is acting weird? He seems nervous…and flustered?" Marlee gestures to Carter who is taking deep breaths; it seems like he's talking to himself.

"Hmmm…that is weird. Do you want me to get Maxon to talk to him?" I scan the room for Maxon.

"Yes, please."

I find Maxon and gesture to him to come over. He walks over hastily. "What's wrong, Bella? Are you alright?"

"Yes, why do you ask-?" I start but realize that he's worried about me in case I'm pregnant. "Oh, Maxon, I'm fine. Marlee wants to ask you to do something."

Marlee clears her throat. "Well, I think something's bothering Carter. Could you talk to him, please? He's making me anxious."

Maxon nods. "Of course, Marlee," he says, already strolling over to Carter. I see him start talking but turn around, wanting to give them privacy.

I turn back to Marlee and hug her. "Marlee, I'm sure it's nothing. C'mon, let's go join America. We better get some strawberry tarts before she eats all of them."

Marlee laughs anxiously. "Sure, Bella. Thanks."

We walk over to the dessert table and grab some plates. "Take whatever you like, Marlee. You go first." I wander behind her, knowing that I'm not going to be grabbing much. If anything at all. I smell the food and it smells delicious, but I know if I eat too much I'll just throw it up. I see Maxon and Carter walking over out of the corner of my eye. I wave. Maxon waves back, but there's concern in his eyes. I look at him questioningly, but the next thing I know is that there are two Maxons rushing toward me. And two Carters, Americas, Marlees, and Aspens. And then my cheek is on the floor and the world disappears.