The One Fanfiction

Chapter 27

         I didn't sleep for the rest of the night. I'd curled up in my bed as soon as I'd gotten to my room. I didn't cry or think. I just felt numb.

        In the morning, I was glad when my maids came. What'd happened started to sink in and I needed to be comforted. They pulled me into a hug and stroked my hair. I only told them Maxon and I were spending some time apart. What did the mean exactly? Was I supposed to stay here or go home? Were we still engaged? Would we tell our parents?

        As the questions floated through my head, the girls got me ready for breakfast with our families. I didn't pay attention as they sent me out the door. I walked down the hallway slowly. When I was almost there, I ran into him.

        I literally ran into Maxon. He was leaning on the wall and looking the other way, oblivious to my approaching figure. I wasn't paying attention and bumped into him. I tripped and prepared for the impact.

        But I never hit the floor. Maxon caught me and held me in his arms a little longer than necessary. Not that I minded, or anything.

        I looked up at him. "Hey," I whispered breathlessly.

        "Hey." He cleared his throat and set me back on my feet. I smoothed down my dress and tried to fix my hair. I looked at my feet awkwardly.

        "America," he started. "I don't want there to be any hard feelings. I still love you. I just need some time."

        "Maxon, I'm not mad. I understand. I just hope that if you need my help, you'll come to me."

        "Of course I will." He pulled me into a hug and I felt a little better.

        I moved away and said, "Are we going to tell our parents?" He shook his head.

        "I don't think so. They'll overreact. Act like you normally would and we should be fine." I nodded and motioned for him to walk with me. We strolled in silence to the dining room. I tried to prepare myself for the meal. How would I lie to my parents? They knew me better than anyone, except maybe Maxon.

        Ouch.

        That thought hurt. Maybe Maxon didn't know me as well as I'd thought. Couldn't he tell I could help him? Why couldn't he see I was being crushed by the pain in my heart? I felt like he was more out of my reach than when he'd been taken. I pushed back tears as we entered the room.

        I put a fake smile on my face and took my seat. Maxon sat down next to me. All eyes were watching us. They could sense the tension, so I tried to act normal. It was almost impossible considering I was on the verge of tears. I took a bite of toast and said to no one in particular, "So, how was your evening?"

        "Fine. And your's dear?" My mother replied.

        "It was okay, I guess." I gave a pointed look at Maxon and he stared at his plate guiltily. I didn't want to upset him, but I guess somewhere deep inside- maybe I was a little pissed. I couldn't help it. Because of him, my heart was pounding with every lie that slipped off my tongue, with every fake smile I put on my lips.

        "So," Queen Amberly said trying to change the subject. "Have you two decided when you're going to try your wedding again?" My heart skipped a beat. What should I say? I didn't know when Maxon would get over the whole anxiety thing. I was about to answer when Maxon cut in.

        "We're going to hold off for a little bit. Let things cool down." How long was a 'little bit'? One month? Six? A year? Possibly never?

        The realization that Maxon and I might never get married was like a blow to my face. My throat constricted and a cold sweat broke out on the back of my neck. My vision got a little fuzzy. The room felt like it was shrinking around me.

        Clarkson was looking at me worriedly. He seemed to be the only who noticed I was beginning to feel sick. I had to get out of there. I locked eyes with the King. I glanced meaningfully at the door. He got the message and nodded subtly.

        I stood up and said in a shaky voice, "Excuse me. I'll be back in a moment." Maxon met grabbed my hand, but I pulled away quickly. He tried to meet my gaze, but I didn't make eye contact. I turned and stumbled out the door.

        There was only one place that made sense to go. The bathroom. I would have privacy if I cried, it was fine if I got sick in there from the growing ache in my stomach, and it would give me an excuse for my sudden exit without having to lie to anyone. So, I made a beeline to the nearest restroom.

        I locked the door and slid to the ground. I put my head between my knees and took deep breaths. No tears came and my stomach managed to keep down the bite of toast from breakfast.

        Maxon had given me time to think when I was trying to figure our if I loved him or Aspen. Was this what he'd felt? A crushing awareness of not having me next to him? That was how I was feeling. What was he feeling now? I felt a twisted hope that he was hurting too. Then, he would come back to me and things could be like before.

        I scolded myself for thinking something so awful. I shouldn't be wishing for him to be in pain for my own benefit. It disgusted me that I could be so selfish.

        This was so hard to deal with. I wished I could turn off my thoughts, my feelings, everything. Unfortunately, that's not how the world works.

        I got up off the floor and walked over to the sink. I turned on the faucet and watched the cool water as it went down the drain. I splashed my face and regained my composure.

        I turned to the door and put my hand on the knob. I was about to turn it when a strange feeling overwhelmed all of my senses. When I realized what was happening, I clamped my hand over my mouth and ran to the toilet. I knelt before the toilet and- let's just say that toast wasn't in my stomach anymore.

        I went to my room, completely ditching breakfast. I found my maids chatting as they cleaned up. Mary noticed my bedraggled appearance and came over to me. "Oh, sweetie. What's wrong?" I hugged her as I cried into her shoulder.

        "I don't feel well," I mumbled.

        "It wouldn't be normal if you did, considering all you've been through. I wish I could help, but I doubt I'm the person you need right now."

        I pulled away and looked at all the girls. They knew me so well and I don't know how I could live without them. I felt as close to them as I did May or Kenna.

        Mary grabbed my hand and gave it a comforting squeeze and walked to the door. "America, you don't deserve to be this sad. I'm coming back, but here's going to be so some with me." She exited the room and left me confused.

        I cleaned up and waited for ten minutes. Then there was a knock on the door.

Okay! From here on out, chapters should be a little longer. I wrote this out in a journal before hand and I just finished typing the first one. The next one isn't done, but it's a lot more descriptive, so yeah... LONGER CHAPTERS!!!

Unfortunately, longer chapters means longer time between updates. Eventually, it could be really long between updates. That'll be when I finish typing what I have in the second one. I have ideas, so it won't be too long, hopefully.

Do you want me to post chapters in parts to make updates more frequent?

Tell me what you think, so far in the story!!!! Who was at the door? Will Maxon recover eventually? How do you feel about America right now? Should she be upset with Maxon or not? Comment your thoughts.

#######Abby#######

Love you, my dears! Remember to vote!