The Elite: Fan-fiction: DISCLAIMER- I DO NOT OWN 'THE SELECTION' OR 'THE ELITE'. ALL RIGHTS GO TO KIERA CASS.

Chapter 1:

They're coming for me. I hear them; I see them surround me, and all their grimy, bloodstained faces stare at me with eyes like daggers. But I cannot wake up. I try and try to wake up but their faces are glued to my eyelids. They move closer and closer and closer until they seem to be right on top of me. I let out a cry and turn my head on the pillow. The cool linen on my cheek makes me shiver but when I feel my skin I'm hot.

Faintly I hear the click of my door. I cannot open my eyes still but feel a cool hand on my shoulder. "America?" someone whispers. I recognize Maxon's voice immediately.

His face appeared in my dream and the nightmare got worse. The rebels rushed at him, and he could do nothing to protect himself. So I watched helplessly as they tore him away from me and into the dark abyss of shadows. All I could do was let out another cry and toss around.

"America! America, wake up!" Maxon exclaimed.

The nightmare continued on. But all I wanted to do was wake up, to see Maxon's face and know he wasn't gone. Yet the darkness still enveloped me and everything was black. Maxon's voice was fainter than before. At first I thought I was gone until I felt a smack on my cheek. Instinctively I jerked straight up and hit heads with Maxon. "Ouch." he whispered and then swore.

I threw my arms around him and hugged him tightly. His arms came comfortingly around me and he kissed my head. "Darling, are you alright?" he whispered softly in my ear.

I buried my face in his chest and let a few silent tears spill down my cheeks and onto his gray t-shirt. "Maxon I was so frightened. Th-they're coming. I just know it!" I mumbled softly.

He tilted my face to look up at him. "What's this?" he exclaimed in mock disbelief, "Tears?" He kissed each one softly. "Tears from my tough little America?"

He kissed my lips lasted and I tasted my own salty tears on his lips. My fingers wound their way into his hair and his hands came up to cup my face. It was a long sweet kiss but then a new set of tears spilled their way down my face. What was I doing? Kissing Maxon? God I know I needed time but with Aspen probably right outside my door I felt so wrong! Why couldn't I just choose? Aspen broke my heart and Maxon was there to help me, first as a friend and then…more than a friend. I love Maxon, that much is true, but I still held a torch for Aspen. And who knows? Maybe Maxon will fall in love with another one of the five girls down the hall.

That thought sent a whole other set of tears to stream down my cheeks. "America, it's ok." Maxon said softly, "I'm here, I'm here."

I let out a little giggle at how clueless he was of my situation. But could I blame him? It's not like he knew my ex was watching my door every night.

"Maxon, will you stay with me? Please?" I looked up into his brown eyes.

He kissed me once more and lay down with me. "Of course America." he said softly.

Anne, Mary, and Lucy slowly creep into the room. Maxon still holds me in his arms but doesn't stir. I watch my maids from under my eyelashes as they try to silently prepare my outfit for the morning. Lucy opens the balcony doors and the closet door slams shut as a gust of wind blows through. Maxon and I jump and his grip tightens on me.

"I'm so sorry Your Majesty!" Lucy exclaims, her face turning bright red.

Maxon offers her a weak smile. "That's alright. I probably should be heading out anyways." he said the last part sadly.

We crawl out of bed and I glance at him from across the long counterpane. I'm sure he notices the longing in my eyes and I recognize it in his as well.

"See you at breakfast, Lady America." he says softly.

"Oh just kiss her already!" Anne exclaims.

I shoot a look at Anne but one of thanks. Maxon doesn't hesitate and rushes to my side. His hands rest on my waist and I feel the pressure of his warm lips on mine. "Maxon…" I say longingly.

He pulls back and rubs his nose against mine. "I know my dear." he said softly.

We pull apart and I watch him leave my room. He pauses in the doorway and glances back at me. I wink and shoo him away. With one last smile he leaves my room and closes the door. As soon as he's gone I instantly regret it. Not having him with me makes me feel cold inside. Only the thought of seeing him at breakfast made me trudge through getting dressed.

Oh my wonderful, darling Maxon. Why must you make me feel so? Could it be love? Could you, Maxon Schreave, have stolen my heart? I let myself smile and realize he has indeed done that, stolen my heart.

Chapter 2:

My maids have made me a wonderful new day dress and I just adore the color! It's a light, sweet yellow with puff sleeves and extends to just barely below my knees. It's scandalously short for a dress but it's only early morning and I am allowed to wear such dresses when eating as long as I'm not out 'in public' with it on.

I'm ready to leave and head down for breakfast when there's a knock on my door. "Come in!" I yell.

Aspen's head pops around the door. "Lady America can I borrow you for one moment?" he asks in a polite manner.

I nod to my maids to leave the room and when they're gone Aspen enters the room but leaves the door ajar so not to raise suspicion.

"Mer, what were you thinking letting him in here?" he asked spitefully.

Ah so he noticed did he? I thought I would feel triumphant but instead I felt rather guilty. But why did I care? It's not like Aspen and I were a thing, or ever going to be one for that matter.

"He came to comfort me." I said.

Aspen rolls his eyes. "Really, Mer?" he asks, "Do I seem that stupid to you?"

My anger ignites at once. "How dare you accuse me of doing something like that!" I exclaim softly.

I strode over to him swiftly so I can whisper. But he didn't let me get a word in. He took my face in his hands and kissed me hard. I pulled back and slapped him across the face. What had gotten into me?

"Aspen Leger don't you dare treat me like this! I know what you're doing because I've witnessed it so many times. But I will not let it move me." I whispered harshly.

"Is it because of him?" he replied venomously, "Are you staying with him because you're afraid to go hungry? To get kicked out and put right back where you started? Is that it? Is that all you care about?"

"No, it's not." I said calmly. For a moment I was lost in thought, thinking of Maxon and what he really means to me. Not a prince, but a charming, sweet man who only seeks to make me happy. "No, Aspen." I say, "I-I-I love him."

Aspen steps back and looks at me. The shock on his face only now made me realize what I just said. I didn't even register I said it because it felt so natural. A small smile crept onto my face and I looked down at my shoes.

"Well then." Aspen finally said, "Thank you for your time, Lady America."

He left the room and I noticed the slight slouch of his shoulders. He was probably the only other person I trusted here and I just threw him out of my heart. It wasn't even the subtle good-bye I hoped for, something that we could just remain friends. I ripped his heart out and now I doubt I could ever get close to him again.

Breakfast went well but everyone was quiet. Maxon and his father were having an intense conversation that even the Queen could not hear. But I made out one sentence when Maxon's anger was getting to him: "I am not sending her home."

So someone was getting sent home. By the swift glance at me I knew the king was going to convince him it should be me. But the look on Maxon's distressed face told me that he was trying his best.

Once all of the ladies were finished we excused ourselves and went into the Women's Room to relax for a bit. Marlee and I seated ourselves near the windows to look out at the gorgeous back lawn of the palace. In the distance I could see that the cherry blossoms were almost in bloom and a few buds have come early. "Would you care to take a walk with me, Lady Marlee?" I asked trying to suppress a laugh.

"Why certainly Lady America." she giggled.

We walked out into the garden to admire the flowers in bloom. It seemed spring was finally coming because all the flowers had just bloomed. One flower caught my eye and I pulled Marlee over to it.

"Oh isn't it just beautiful?" I exclaimed stroking its delicate petals.

"It's a Gardenia." Marlee told me touching one of the creamy white bulbs.

I bend to sniff the flower and am overcome by its pleasing smell. The strong sent makes me sneeze and Marlee laughs. "I should've warned you," she said between laughs, "They are very strong!"

We turn to look at other flowers when we bump into an unexpected couple: Maxon and Celeste. Celeste has her head resting on Maxon's shoulder while they strode around the garden. They haven't yet noticed us but by the look on Marlee's face she notices the jealousy in my eyes. She tries to tug me away and we strode in the opposite direction. But I look back to see Maxon's face. Our eyes meet and he mouths something I don't even bother to watch. Marlee and I walk inside so we cannot see them.

Chapter 3:

I say good-bye to Marlee and rush up to my room. It couldn't have meant anything right? Maybe he was just enjoying her company? God America don't think that! Don't fool yourself into believing that! Didn't you see how serene and regal they look together? God I'm so stupid!

My maids weren't in the room so, thankfully, I was alone. Music was my outlet to relieve my stress and was enjoyable so I sat down in front of the white baby grand piano in my room. A slow sad song seeped through my body and onto the keys. It made me feel sad but better than the anger that was screaming through my head.

I had just finished the last note and rested my elbows on the keys with a slight bang. The sound made me flinch but it didn't matter. His presence didn't bug me and I ignored him until he placed a hand on my shoulder.

"America?" he said softly.

I shrugged his hand off and strode out onto my balcony. The cool air chilled me and I wrapped my arms around me. Maxon's shoes clicked on the stone until he was right behind me. "America?" he said again.

This time I turned to look at him. He must've noticed my red rimmed eyes but I wouldn't let a tear fall. They weren't sad tears anymore; they were ones of pure frustration.

"Yes, Prince Maxon?" I asked venomously.

He took my hands. "Don't do this." he pleaded, "Just let me explain."

It was actually a little distracting at how close he was. But I wouldn't let him get to me. Not now. "You have my full attention, sir." I told him.

He sighed and went through a full explanation of what happened. The King and he were having a full debate on keeping me. Maxon was trying everything with him until he said one sentence that made me stop him. "Wait, wait, you told him what?" I asked in disbelief.

He pulled me closer so I pressed against him. "I told him that I loved you, Lady America Singer." he whispered in my ear softly.

I pulled back to look into his eyes. "But why were you walking with Celeste?" I asked sadly recalling the memory all over again.

"She was the one I sent home." he told me.

"You did?" I exclaimed, "Maxon did you really?"

"Didn't you tell me she was an awful creature?" he asked playfully, "Well if anyone makes you upset I don't want to keep them around."

I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him. I kissed him. He wasn't even expecting it either. But then I felt him kiss me back and everything seemed perfect again, well almost.

"Why were you looking so calm then?" I asked pulling back.

He smiled. "She was the first one not to break into a crying fit and exclaim it was the worst mistake of my life." he said, "It was relieving to know that I didn't make all the girls cry."

I stiffened a bit because that didn't sound right. Celeste calm? It was just the complete opposite of what I was expecting. "Did she have any request?"

He nodded. "She'll stay for one more night and then will be gone. She said she wanted to stay goodbye to all the girls."

I rolled my eyes. That was so un-Celeste like. She was up to something and I'm pretty sure it involved getting back at me.