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

Chapter 17

Chapter 17:

The days start turning into weeks and there has been no sign about any of the rebels plans thus far. I start preparing for summer to come to an end. I can’t believe it was about a month ago that we got married. It seems like it’s been so much longer than that. Every moment that I get to enjoy with Maxon is a gift. I know that his birthday is coming up and I have no idea what to give him. After all, what do you give a man that has everything? Well, maybe not everything. The fear of another attack still lingered in the air. We were also having to pull out so many troops from New Asia, because it was getting so dangerous over there.

Today though, I am very excited because we are finally taking a break and going to visit my family. It was strange that it was actually Maxon who was the one who had to convince me to take the afternoon off. After our fight I have immersed myself in my work, hoping it will make up for my mistake earlier. I know that our relationship will always hold that uncertainty; however, our ability to keep fighting for each other is our greatest asset, I think. After all Maxon and I have been through, I can’t possibly think of what could tear us apart now. We aren’t perfect, but I think that’s just what makes this marriage more exciting; and makes us coming back for more.

The yellow house is just as I remember it in the picture. The beautiful white trim makes it stand out, nestled among its cultured lawn and greenery. Not many people know where my family lives, for security reasons obviously. They know that they moved to Angeles, however, the location of this house is perfect because it doesn’t stand out too much, but has a wide private area all around out. Of course, there are always guards stationed all around here too, keeping my family safe.

I know that Kenna and James live mostly upstairs while my mom and May occupy the spacious lower level and basement. May told me over the phone that she loves this house, but she misses me all of the time. I feel bad telling her that I’m so busy most of the time, but I’m sure she’s looking forward to today as much as I am.

When we pull up in the front of the house in a non-descript car, my family opens the door and rushes forward to greet us before I can even take a step.

May is the first one to hurtle into my arms.

“Oh my gosh, you’re getting taller.” I say. May beams up at me.

“I’ve been waiting all week to see you Ames! You’ve got to come see the rest of the house, it’s amazing!”

“Okay.” I agree. May turns to Maxon and smiles.

“Is Ames getting to be a handful over there?” She teases.

Maxon laughs. “She always is”. I roll my eyes.

May glances between Maxon and I. “And how is my brother in law doing, Ames?” Brother? It’s still weird to think that my family are all related to Maxon now. Technically Maxon and I are the only Shreaves left, which is a strange concept to me as well.

“I’m doing pretty well at the moment, May.” Maxon says. May goes up and hugs him too. I know that May used to have a crush on him way before I was even in the Selection, but now I think she sees him as sort of a big brother that she can love and depend on.

“Come on, let’s see the house.” I say. May tugs my hand towards the door while Maxon follows. My mother says that she’ll go finish making lunch while Kenna goes and gets Astra.

“So…this is the first floor.” May proudly shows everything, along with all of the features that they have added since they’ve moved in. I’m amazed when she shows me the studio that seems so reminiscent of the one back home, only better. Maxon probably added this area, knowing what my family was like. Most of all, this area reminds me of my father. There are hints of him everywhere. It makes me sad, knowing that he’ll never get to see any of this. Both Maxon and I know what it’s like to loose a parent that truly loved you. I know that if he were here today, he’d be so proud of everyone.