Break My Heart a Thousand Times (The Selection Series Story)

Chapter XXI: "AWAKE"

Chapter Twenty-One

Veronikka led us to this clearing in the woods. It was just off a small path. If I looked carefully through the branches, I could still see the Palace, less than a mile away. The clearing had soft, green grass and plenty of space to sit down. Sunlight streamed in through holes in the trees, giving it to a peaceful, warm light. I even heard the sound of soft flowing stream distantly. Overall, it was a very pretty spot.

Valleree spread out a blanket and Chelsey unpacked the food, and we all dug in. I caught up Veronikka with all the details of the night of the ball, even adding in a couple extra juicy parts so Valleree and Chelsey would stay entertained. Veronikka was very enthusiastic, and it was nice to recount the happy, loving moment Maxon and I had experienced.

But it still hurt.

I left out the parts of having to prove myself, and the anger and hurt I felt when he only sent that little note. Veronikka didn't ask about the note, either, even though she was the one to give it to me. Maxon must've sworn her to secrecy or something.

After I finished, Veronikka laughed breathlessly. "Wow. A lot has happened."

"Most of it happened when you were there," Valleree pointed out.

Veronikka brushed off the crumbs in her lap. "I haven't heard it till now, though."

There was a pause in the conversation. I listened to the chirping birds, the swishing of the trees, and the babbling sounds of the stream. It was all so peaceful. Surrounded by friends, I felt like I could stay here forever.

"What was that?" Chelsey asked, concerned. We all looked to her.

"What was what?" Valleree looked around.

Chelsey frowned. "Oh, nothing, sorry. I just thought I saw something over there." She pointed over to a bush and cluster of trees, but I didn't see anything. She shook her head with a smile. "Sorry for disturbing the peace. That was nice."

Veronikka flopped back onto her back with a sigh. "It was nice, wasn't it?" She said, yawning. "I'm so tired."

"We can tell." Valleree threw a grape at her face with a laugh.

"It's just so exhausting," Veronikka complained as she grabbed the grape and popped it in her mouth. "All the work, the worry, the danger..."

My eyes widened. "You guys are in danger?" I squeaked. I was overcome by a wave of worry for Maxon, who was practically alone in New Asia - besides his many guards, but I wasn't thinking very clearly at that point.

"No no no no," Veronikka protested with a wince as she sat up. "That was the wrong thing to say." She paused. "It's just... in New Asia they have less security. It's more rural, and the ruins of the old cities are just chaotic. Took some getting used to, that's all."

My brow creased. I was still worried. What was she not telling me?

"I swear I just saw something," Chelsey suddenly said, her eyes wide. We followed her gaze, but the rest of saw nothing. She sighed.

"I'm going crazy," she whined, rubbing her eyes.

"I could've told you that years ago," Valleree snickered, and Chelsey threw a bunch of grapes at her. Valleree caught them in her mouth and laughed as she chewed.

"You're gross," Veronikka commented as she cleaned up some of our mess. I just laughed.

"Are you going to announce any news to the public?" I asked Veronikka. "They're very... anxious."