It's So Much More Than That (A Selection Story)

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

America POV

It's been a couple weeks since the funeral. Maxon has already spoken with Kriss and Elise and they both are doing quite well assuming their roles. I'm glad that we could do something for those two girls. I still consider them some of my closest friends even though the Selection is over. I wish I could say the same for myself. After the funeral Maxon was distant for a couple days, and I tried to leave him alone because I knew he was probably having a hard time adjusting to not having his parents there. He's probably having as many mixed feelings as I am.

Lucy announced that she was going to retire as my maid as well. I graciously pardoned her and thanked her for her service. I knew that she would be with Aspen now, and I was glad both of them were happy. Speaking of Aspen, I hadn't seen him in a while, so I decided to call him in. There was still some worry over the security after the attack because even though most of the Southern Rebels were defeated, they could get into the palace again.

"Hey". He said when I summoned him. It's weird not having the tension or confusion between Aspen and I anymore. I don't have to be worried about my feelings or anyone else's. For once it's just a conversation between two friends.

"Hey." I say casually. "So...I just wanted to have an update on the whole security thing, I haven't talked to you in a while."

"It's only been a week, America."

I smiled. "I know. I just needed a distraction from all this work." I pointed out all of stacks of papers lying around my study.

"I'd be happy to oblige." Aspen said with a wink.

"So...what have you been doing lately? I heard Maxon was insisting on ramping up the security."

"He didn't tell you?"

"He didn't tell me what?" I demanded.

"I'm head of security now, and one of the guard commanders." Aspen said proudly.

"That's wonderful!" I exclaimed. "You'd be so good at that.

"That's what I hear. Anyways, how's this whole princess thing coming along anyway?"

I roll my eyes. "I'm not technically a princess, Aspen. Not yet. And by the way, once I marry Maxon, I'll technically be the queen."

"Ohh...a bit pretentious aren't you?" he joked.

"Maybe." Aspen laughed. "It's a lot of work planning this whole wedding though. I wish it was just a small ceremony, but it's probably one of the biggest weddings of the century! I can't believe I'm actually agreeing to this."

"You'll be fine, Mer. If you decide not to show up, I'll just take your place." He joked.

"Wouldn't that be a sight. If Maxon chose you when he could've had me, Kriss, Elise or Celeste. I could totally picture that though. You'd be such a cute couple." I teased. (yup. Another inside joke from twitter)

"Well, we have quite the bromance going on."

"I see...." It was so fun to be lighthearted like this with Aspen. It seemed like for the moment, the weight of the world had ben lifted off of my shoulders. "I'd better get back, but I'll see you around. Say hi to Lucy. You better be treating her well."

"I am. And America —"

"Yes — "

"Tell Maxon that he should keep you locked up. None of us want you getting hurt." He said with a serious tone.

"Don't give him any ideas." I muttered. I knew that out of anyone, Maxon and Aspen were the two people who would take any threat to my existence seriously. Sometimes they were a tad overprotective. After Aspen left, I finished up my reports for the morning and grabbed a quick lunch from the kitchens. I knew that Maxon had meetings until dinner, and I liked conversing with the cooks down there anyway. Silvia had informed me that part of the job was to plan out many of the meals. I already had a great time doing that, and the cooks seemed to not mind me trying out the various foods. After that, it was my job to plan the wedding. I went to my room to work for the afternoon. I was still working out the guest list and hadn't even moved on to entertainment and menu....