If Maxon Picked Kriss

Chapter 7

America's POV:

"We're gonna miss you so much Ames, call and write me and let me know how it's going all the time and come visit on weekends. And don't forget about asking the recipe for the strawberry tarts!" May finished.

She gave me a long list of things to do while I'm at the palace. She's been dying to know how the cooks make the strawberry tarts after she tried to guess the ingredients and try to make them and failed miserably. Twice.

"I promise I'll come visit all the time and I'll write often." I say looking at my mom for that part. She was leaning against the door of the house watching us on the porch talking. She's worried. And scared. She doesn't need to say it for me to see it.

I know what she's feeling. She knows the palace can be dangerous. Even more now then when i was selected. After the selection she made it clear she wouldn't lose anyone else.

I care. I really do. But right now it isn't about me. I don't get to be selfish. I need to help the people that don't have a voice and don't have a big say in their lives.

I walk up to her and give her a hug. I'll miss you mom. She gives me a big squeeze and pulls away.

"You're just like your father. you know, stubborn. you'll do whatever it takes to make things right. Even if you have to sacrifice yourself. I love you so much honey. you're so brave." I could see tears welt up in her eyes and she talked to me. When she was finished she pulled me back into another hug.

"Be safe okay?" I nodded.

"And don't forget to come back for your dog. Because May will definitely keep it after you're done."  I nodded and pulled away once more looking for Churro.

He was with May. I know she will take great care of him. She was ecstatic for me to leave Churro with her. I didn't want Churro in the palace with the rebel attacks and the maids so I thought he would do best with May. She loves him anyways.

I started to head to the car. I said all my goodbyes to the family and it was time to go. Georgia was leaning on the car watching my family. I could tell she wanted a family too.

"You ready?" She asked.

I nodded my head and looked back for a moment. Taking this scene in. I would need to remember this when I start to miss them. They're safe. My whole family is. It brings me a great comfort when I was going on tours and living in LA to work with the rebels.

My family is used to not seeing me much. But they knew I wasn't in danger and I guess they had that comfort too. Now I'll have a target on my back for the southern rebels. The grace I had before will soon be gone. They won't appreciate me helping in the castle. But that's okay. If I stand up for what is right that's all that matters to me.

We get inside the car and May, Mom, Gerad, and Kenna and her husband are waving. I wave back and we pull out of the driveway.

I know the ride will be short to the castle since we are at my parents house. I sit back to think about how things have changed. It's crazy to think that they have that house because Maxon bought it for them. So I could see them often when I was queen. It's funny how that didn't end up happening.

The irony though is they'll still be close to me to visit while I'm at the castle. Just under different circumstances. I'm not a queen. Just a supporter for what I believe in.

Georgia sees me in deep thought and begins to talk.

"You're really gonna be a big help here. I know it's hard to say goodbye to the lifestyle you've grown accustomed to for all these years. I know it must be hard with your family too. You're lucky though that you can see them often now though. You have a beautiful family. I'm envious of that." She says.