The One (fanfic)

Chapter Five

My heartbeat and breathing slowed down then stopped. Screw my half hour of grogginess; Maxon's words woke me right up. Was that Aspen's plan all along: to get me kicked out of the selection?

To think that I thought Aspen would want the best for me. I actually found it funny now my days were so bipolar: Marriage proposal, death of Queen Amberly, the king's approval, and now Aspen's confession.

Just a typical day in America singer's life, I thought.

Gathering up all my courage, I looked into Maxon's eyes. I drew my breath as I saw the mix of emotions: Disappointment, hurt, confusion, and worst of all, betrayal. What have I done?

Seeing him like that started a flood of tears.

"I... I..." but I couldn't string together any words.

"Is that why you needed time?" Maxon asked in a cracked voice.

"Yes. But I'd to emphasize needed." My voice came back, just in time to defend myself.

"So yesterday was real?" he asked in a little happier voice. "

"Every last bit. Look Maxon, I wish I could take back every moment, with Aspen not you, after the Selection started. Unfortunately, I can't. It's just that, he was my first love and..."

"And you couldn't let go," sounding surprised by what he'd said.

Before I could answer, I remembered something. A queen would take responsibility for her actions and await the punishment. Even if I wasn't going to be a queen, I need to at least prove to myself that I had the qualities.

I used my pillow to wipe my tears, "I'm ready."

Maxon raised an eyebrow, "For what?"

"My punishment, what's it going to be: death or canning?"

His face fell, "Shit, I forgot about that part."

Despite the circumstances I just had to laugh, making Maxon give me a 'it-isn't-time-for-anything-to-be-funny' look. That didn't make me stop laughing; so exasperated; he asked me what was so amusing at a time like this.

"You swore," I mused.

"You have that kind of effect on me," he smiled slightly for a second before it vanished. "America Singer, you're arrested for treason." His voice was shaking and hesitant.

"Let's go," I said in a lame attempt to lighten the mood.

On our way to the cell, the girls were all looking at me. Celeste was snickering-bitch; Elise was expressionless; and Kriss looked horrified. For some reason, I lifted my head a few inches higher.

Aspen was already waiting for me at the cell. He gave me an apologetic look. Yeah, I'm going to talk to him.

{---o---}

After what I think was two hours of avoiding eye contact with Aspen, I caved.

"What the hell, Aspen? You keep proving over and over that you're a villain! How dare you kill Queen Amberly? Don't get me wrong, I'm mad to you for telling about us, but killing the Queen is unaccept..."

"Mer!" Aspen interrupted. "It was for your own good!"

"Why because I wasn't going to pick you?"

"NO! The Southern rebels will kill the monarchs. If Maxon picked you, they'd kill you too. This was the only way I could think of so you wouldn't get crowned Princess."

That actually made some sense.

"It doesn't matter Aspen! Did it ever occur to you that I'm willing to take that risk? Stop being to goddamn selfish."

Aspen turned his gaze away from me.

"Fine, let's pretend that I didn't care about that--What about Queen Amberly?"

"You wouldn't understand."

"Try me."

"During the last rebel attack, the Southerners had me cornered. They told me their plan and offered me a trade. They'd keep you safe if I killed Queen Amberly when the right time came."

"You were right!" I exploded. "I don't understand. I'd rather die than have the amazing and kind Queen killed."

"Did it ever occur to you that maybe she's glad she's dead? King Clarkson can't keep his hands to himself."

I turned my body to face the wall. If this conversation was continued, it would end with one of us dead.

***

It sucks doesn't it? ;( I'm a failure *crying silently* I'm sorry you've had to put up with this. Well aaaneeewaaay, what did you guys think of the real The One? I loved it; Kiera Cass outdid herself. Well, I've decided to continue this fanfiction anyway because the actuall book ended the book at her wedding. I wanna see what happens after. (Don't worry you guys are gonna see some Maxerica babies) I'm going to try to forget what I read so you get a totally different story than the one Kiera Cass gave. Oh and for the record: I SO called Queen Amberly dying. :(

Thank you to all my readers who have encouraged me to continue this story. 380+ reads? Umm...Can you spell awesome? Haha I love you guys <3

Deddy to MarleeTamesWoodwork. <3 Do I even have to explain why? Marlee is awesome! Love her! Favorite Selectionist that isn't America!!