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

Chapter 22

Thank you so much for reading, and for sticking with this story from the very beginning!

Chapter 22:

Christmas morning comes bright and early. I lie awake, smiling, because I know that today will be a great day. Maxon rolls over and mumbles something.

I give him a small kiss on the cheek. "Good morning, handsome." I whisper. It's about nine and I know that my family will be coming soon, so we'd better get up. He stirs a little bit.

"It's Christmas, Max. We should get up." I say gently.

"Ughh." He rolls over. "Can't the King have Christmas off?" He moans.

"Nope. He has to get up or he won't get any of his presents." I tease.

"Fine. But only if I get to spend the rest of the day with you."

I give him a peck on the lips. "Of course, but first we need to give gifts to the kids."

He raises an eyebrow.

"I didn't mean it like that. I meant my brother and sister." I clarify.

He chuckles. "I thought for a moment there that I had forgotten the last five years or something."

"Nope." I laugh. "The next five years are only just beginning."

We stay in bed for what seems like an endless amount of time. I know that no one is going to dare disturb us today, but eventually we do make our way downstairs to my family who is waiting in the parlor with the huge Christmas tree in it. I dismissed my maids today, so I got ready on my own. I knew that my hair is probably not as tidy as it normally is and that I just grabbed a nice pair of jeans and a blouse to put on. Why am I so concerned with what I look like around my family? I wonder. Being a queen was really wearing off on me, I guess.

"May!" I call, when I see her. It feels so nice to see my family. Kenna and James are absent, but they most likely wanted to celebrate the holiday by themselves. Of course, Kota isn't here either; not surprising due to the fact that he isn't really welcome to any family gathering.

"America! You finally made it down!" I playfully roll my eyes at my sister.

"I – I mean, we, wanted to sleep!" I defend. "Besides, it's one of the only days I have off the whole year!"

"Sure you did." She smirks. I feel Maxon's arms wrap around me, and lean back into them.

"How are all of you?" He asks.

"Alright." May says. "I'm so glad we get to spend Christmas in the palace, but Mom is being sort of distant" she whispers the last part. My mom's sitting in the corner, looking out of the window. I want to go comfort her somehow, but I don't really know if I could do anything to make it better. I knew what it was like to think you lost someone, but for them to be actually gone; the thought was unbearable.

"It's okay. It's hard, especially after last year."

I nod. "I know. Let's try to have a good time though. I know dad would want us to do that." I hug her, and then turn to my mom.

"Mom?" I ask tentatively. She turns around and smiles ruefully.

"America." She whispers. "I'm so sorry, I was just –"

"Don't worry about it. I understand." We embrace. I've never been particularly close to my mother, but we've grown closer within the last year. Maybe it was because of my father passing way that brought us together. That, and moving to the palace has changed our lives completely.

"Merry Christmas Magda." Maxon reaches out and my mother accepts a side hug, smiling a little. I still don't think she's quite gotten used to the idea that her son-in law is the King of Illea.