The One Fanfiction

Chapter 22

Okay, it's gonna be a short chapter. But, don't worry. I'll post more later.

        We waited until dark to climb down. The moonlight gave us just enough light to see. Maxon and I held hands as we walked in silence.

        I stayed alert even though my eyelids were drooping. Crickets were chirping. The air was sweet, like flowers or honey. A small breeze brushed my cheeks as if Maxon was stroking my face gently with his thumb. I felt the urge to curl up at the base of a tree and look up at the stars.

        I shook my head. Thoughts like that aren't allowed right now. Not when we were so close. If we stopped now, we would make it there mid morning.

        Maxon must've read my mind because he whispered, "How about we rest for a while?" I nodded. We settled down under a maple tree. Maxon held me in his arms and I felt like there was nowhere else I'd rather be.

        My eyes closed almost immediately. I hoped that it would be the deep, peaceful sleep that I craved. But, as always, what I want is just out of my reach.

        I dreamed about Aspen's last night as a guard. When I screamed, no one came. I was pinned to the wall for what seemed like hours. Aspen never stopped. Not once. By the end, I wasn't even struggling anymore. I was just waiting for the awful experience to be over.

        Suddenly, to my right, Maxon appeared. He was chained to the wall and trying to reach me, trying to save me. Somehow, I knew if I reached him, I would be fine. Everything would be okay. I fought to get to Maxon, but Aspen was too strong.

        Aspen leaned in and murmured in my ear, "I know you love me too. You said it all the time in the tree house. Before you met him. Before you were charmed by his money and power."

        "That's not true!"

        "Yes it is, America. Kiss me. See if it even compares." So I kissed him. My body warmed from the tips of my toes to the top of my head.

        I turned to Maxon and kissed him too. I felt absolutely nothing. I tried again and again. Still nothing. Tears streamed down my cheeks. "No! I love him, not you. This can't be real!"

        Maxon was giving me his usual adoring look. It broke my heart. What was wrong with me? I loved Maxon, didn't I? Aspen whispered to me, arrogance heavy in his voice, "See? I told you, America."

        "No!'

        My eyes shot open, unable to deal with that dream for one more second. I was breathing unevenly. My eyes flitted around, trying to find Maxon. He was right next to me, a troubled expression on his face.
He was handsome as ever with the sun casting shadows on his muscular face. I closed my eyes and kissed him. My pulse raced and I got goosebumps all over my body.

        When I pulled away, I breathed a sigh of relief. Any doubts leftover from the dream melted away. Maxon was staring at me. "What was that for?" I smiled and blushed.

        "Just checking something." He looked at me curiously, but I didn't say any more.

        We got up and started walking toward the palace. We still had a long way to go.