The One Fanfiction

Chapter 4

        My eyes opened, but quickly shut again; blinded by the sun streaming in through the curtains. I felt refreshed in the first time in days. Today would be the start of the greatest week of my life. Maxon was mine alone, I had my family, and I was home.

        A hand ran through my hair so delicately it sent chills up my spine. Maxon was lying next to me. His eyes studied my face adoringly. Maxon hair was damp as if he had just gotten out of the shower. Oh,and he was- shirtless. I remembered the last time I saw his sculpted body was when I was tending to the beating from the King. Then, he had looked ashamed and self- conscious. Now, he looked striking and confident.

        Maxon shifted his body so he looked directly at me. "Good morning, darling" he said softly. His breath tickled my face." Good morning," I sighed contentedly. " So how do you like it here? Away from the guards, the palace, your parents."

        "It's wonderful here. I feel...safe. I'm not worried about rebel attacks, or my father; even without the guards. I feel welcomed and warm. I can picture starting a life here. And your family. They make me feel loved, like I am part of the family. Because of them I know how you turned out to be so -" Maxon paused as if trying to find the right word. " Incredible." Tears sprang to my eyes.

        " Maxon, I- " My throat closed and I choked on the words. Why couldn't I tell him? Why is it so hard for me to tell him I care?

        "Shh, love. I know. I know. Say it when you're ready."

        I put my hand over his heart. His pulse was calm, but I sensed with a few words from me it would jump. My mind was reeling. Did I love him? Could I make Aspen part of my past? Was I ready for this? Is Maxon the one? The word that answered all of these questions was- yes.

        I took a few steadying breaths. Breathe in. You can do this America. Breathe out. He loves you. He is waiting for you. Breathe in. Okay, you're ready.

        I started tracing circles on his skin with the hand on his chest. I felt him shudder with pleasure. "I love the way you smile and laugh and the way you say my name. I love how you are firm, but have a care free side. I love the way we kiss and electricity runs through my veins. I love how you have stayed loyal even though I don't deserve you. I love when you tug your ear just for me. I love how you listen to me and care about what I have to say. I love our walks in the garden. I love you. I love you, Maxon."

        My heart was pounding, but it was nothing compared to Maxon's. He look like he was still trying to comprehend what had just happened. Well, so was I.

        Maxon looked up at me. I'd never seen anyone look so vulnerable. That wasn't the worst part though. He looked sad.

        Why wasn't he happy? I told him I loved him, wasn't that what he wanted? For me to love him back- or did he not actually love me? I started hyperventilating. Why wasn't he saying anything? Is there something wrong with me? Was I too honest?

        I pulled my hand away from his chest and put it on my own heart this time. I couldn't deal with this. I leaped out of the bed. The nerves made me want to scream.

        Finally, I burst. I screamed at him, " What's wrong? What did I do? Why won't you answer me? Please, Maxon, talk to me!"

        I burst into tears and fell to the floor. My mind couldn't take it anymore. I felt my eye roll back into my head.

        There was a voice yelling my name. Maxon. " America!"

        Then everything went black.