The Elite: Maxon POV

Chapter 9

It was worse than anything I could have imagined. I'd never had to go through motions like this before. It was definitely a way for my father to test me. If I failed, he'd just have another excuse to call me weak and belligerent. I sat next to my parents as the crowd swelled. My palms were sweaty, my neck was sweaty...hell everything was sweaty. I was shaking violently. Any moment now, America and the rest of the Ladies would emerge into the crowd and be exposed to the horrible reality of the morning after a wonderful night.

"Quit fidgeting, Maxon," said my mother. "You're making people uneasy by doing so. You must remain composed. Show no emotion." I nodded solemnly and put a poker face despite my queasiness. I had to sit and watch as people I knew were beaten and stripped of their castes, just for being in love.

The girls all emerged from the curtain with confused looks on their faces. They all turned simultaneously and saw the contraptions sitting on the stage. Worry coated their faces as they were shown to their seats. I stared at America's face unsure of her expression. The guards announced the arrival of Lady Marlee and Officer Woodwork onto the stage and silence fell over the crowd at the sight of them. Gasps and sobs came from Lady Marlee's parents but all I could focus on was America's face. The look I saw now, the expression I read was pure anguish. I couldn't let my form drop though. She looked at Lady Marlee's tattered clothes and Woodwork's bruised and bloodied face and tears filled her eyes. She covered her mouth in shock or horror and turned toward me. She made direct eye contact and looked at me as if to say how could you. I flinched and looked away. If I looked at her I would fall apart. It was torture listening to Lady Marlee's screams and wimpers as the whips came down. I heard Woodwork telling her that he loved her and in a moment of weakness I was envious of him. Envious of the way he could tell that woman he loved her so easily, knowing she loved him just as much.

"Marlee! No! Please stop! Maxon make them stop!" America cried from the sidelines. It took everything in me not to run to her and tell her everything would be okay and that I could fix this, that I would fix this.

"Maxon I know you can hear me!" she wailed. I ignored her. My father glanced at me, silently ordering me to keep my composure. "GET OFF OF ME! MARLEE! MARLEE I'M COMING!" I turned subtly to see my America fighting the guards and almost reaching the steps to the stage. I don't know what she planned to do when she got to the top, but my heart swelled at the thought of her fighting and risking everything to protect her friend. Eventually the guards dragged her back and tugged her toward the palace.

"Marlee I'm so sorry!" she cried out as she disappeared behind the curtain. I swallowed hard and close my eyes. I couldn't take much more of this. I knew Lady Marlee was strong and that she wouldn't let this destroy her life. Officer Woodwork would take care of her too. They would take care of each other.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Everything will be okay, I promise you. You'll be safe here and I'll protect you and when she's ready, you can both run. I'll cover for you."
"You're a good person. Thank you so much."
"It's my pleasure."