The One Fanfiction

Chapter 21

        Maxon came in, but stopped in the door way. He looked between us. I might have gone a little bit away from the plan. Maxon coughs and says, "Well, you were supposed to kick him where it hurts, but holding a dagger at his throat, that works too."

        I rolled my eyes and stayed,"Just handcuff him, please. Make sure you gag him too." Maxon walked over and handed me a guards uniform, so we could move around without being noticed. He'd convinced Erika to give them to us. She wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.

        I slipped it on over my disgusting sundress that wasn't even white anymore. The uniform was stiff and itchy. It was a little big, but it would have to do. I turned to Maxon and asked, "How do I look?"

        He gave me a quick peck on the cheek and said, " Beautiful. Now, I have to get changed. We have to hurry. It won't be long until the guards wake up and sound the alarm."

        I watched as he pulled of the shirt he'd worn to our wedding. The memory pulled at my heart strings. I fought off tears and thought of what would be there when we returned. My family. The growing friendship between King Clarkson and I. Queen Amberly's warm embrace. The happy voices of Anne, Mary, and Lucy. Maybe even Marlee, eventually.

        Maxon interrupted my thoughts and grabbed my hand. He pulled me to the door. I took a breath and glanced at Aspen he was struggling against the handcuffs and attempting to spit out the gag. His eyes were locked on mine. His eyes were hateful and I saw not even a trace of the person I knew. I turned to the door and didn't look back.

        I stepped over the snoring guard that had a bruise forming on his forehead. I followed Maxon who was starring intently at a map he'd found. We kept are heads down and nodded at other guards who we passed. I was tense and ready to run at a moment's notice.

        We made it out of the compound without incident. I willed myself to stay alert, but it was difficult because of the joy of being outside again. The air was comfortably warm and the sun heated my cheeks.
Maxon led me toward the woods that surrounded the building. We slipped stealthily between the rebels' military trucks. The soilders around us didn't notice as we enter the forest. Then, a loud blaring alarm rang.

        Shouting erupted around us. My heartbeat raced as I grabbed Maxon's hand and pulled him deeper into the trees. Branches snapped behind us and we ran harder then ever then before. My breathing was ragged and my legs were about to collapse, but I pushed on.

        Maxon suddenly jerked to the left. I was pulled into his arms and are lips met. I pulled away quickly and look at his eyes. Panic swirled in his eyes like storm clouds. I shook my head and whispered, "No, we're not giving up. We can still do this. We can still get out." My mind raced to come up with a plan. I looked around for a place to hide. My eyes locked on to the best idea I could think of. I pointed a finger and Maxon's eyes flashed with renewed hope. He nodded.

        We climbed and climbed. Up until the ground was concealed by leaves. Until our hands had more than a few splinters. Until our muscles ached from the strain.

        Maxon and I settled on a particularly strong branch. We huddled together and stared out at the view before us. Miles and mile of trees surrounded us. The top of the palace was visible in the horizon.

        The silence was deafening, but neither of us dared make a sound. I listened for anything that would hint that they knew we were up here. Maxon held me close. I couldn't feel the warmth of his arm through the thick fabric of the uniform.

        He was staring off into the distance. His mouth was set into a scowl. His eyes were sad. I couldn't piece together what was wrong. I kissed his jaw in an attempt to soothe him.

        His eyes closed slightly, but he didn't relax. I gripped his hand. "What's wrong, Maxon?" His scowl deepened and his voice was tinged with bitterness.

        "I gave up. I didn't try to think of something. I failed you. You could've been killed because of me. I'm weak and you deserve better."

        "Don't you ever say that," I said harshly. "I couldn't hope for anyone better. There is no one stronger, more caring, more passionate, or more loving than you. You're the person who loves me most in the world and that is all I could ever ask of you. Everyone makes mistakes. It doesn't make you weak. We're only weak if we don't learn from our mistakes."

        Maxon was giving me a look of awe and adoration. I felt my face soften. He gazed into my eyes. "You're beautiful when you talk like that."

        I giggled. "You're such a sap."

        "It's one of the many reasons you love me. It's among my other qualities such as being strong, caring, passionate, and loving." I slapped his arm and grinned.

        Maxon was visibly more relaxed. I enjoyed laughing with him after all this time. A seed of happiness bloomed in me from being able to relieve him of sadness.

        The sun was beginning to set. The sky was ablaze with shades of red and purple. I leaned my forehead against his. Our noses almost touched. This moment felt picture perfect. That thought gave me an idea.

        "Maxon?"

        "Yes, love?"

        "When we get home, will you paint this moment?" He took a startled breath. He'd forgotten I'd seen his paintings.

        He started, "Of course, if-"

        "If what?"

        "If you play the violin for me. It's been too long since I've heard it." I smiled.

        "Of course."

        I closed my eyes and savored the beauty of the moment.