This is my first fanfic. Basically, this is what I think would happen if America figured out her feelings and told Maxon about Aspen immediately. The first few paragraphs are taken from The Selection.

*All Rights go to Kiera Cass*

Chapter 1- Old Loves

My eyes fell to the name tag on his uniform: OFFICER LEGER.

I doubted a second had passed.

I kept myself composed enough that no one saw the storm raging inside- a miracle in and of itself. I wanted to touch him, kiss him, scream at him, demand he leave my sanctuary. I wanted to melt away and disappear, but I felt so very here.

None of it made sense.

I cleared my throat. "Yes. Officer Leger comes from Carolina. He's actually from my hometown." I smiled at Maxon.

No doubt Aspen would have heard us laughing as we rounded the corner, would have noted that my arm was still draped on the prince's. Let him make of that what he would.

Maxon seemed excited for me. "Well, how about that! Welcome, Officer Leger. You must be very happy to see your Champion Girl again." Maxon held his hand out, and Aspen shook it.

Aspen's face was like a stone. "Yes, Your Majesty. Very much so."

What did that mean?

"I'm sure you're pulling for her, too." Maxon encouraged as he winked at me.

"Of course, Your Majesty." Aspen bowed his head a little bit.

And what did that mean?

"Excellent. Since America is from your home province, I can't think of a better man in the palace to leave her with. I'll make sure you're put on her guard rotation. This girl of yours refuses to keep a maid in her room at night. I've tried to tell her…" Maxon shook his head at me.

Aspen finally seemed to relax a bit. "I'm not surprised by that, Your Majesty."

Maxon smiled. "Well, I'm sure you all have a busy day ahead of you. We'll be off. Good day, officers." Maxon gave a quick nod and pulled me away.

It took all of the strength in my body not to look back.

Once we were seated in the theater, I tried to sort the hurricane of thoughts racing through my head. Should I tell Maxon? I couldn't get Aspen hurt, but it felt wrong not to tell Maxon. Almost like I was betraying him…

"America?" Maxon shook my shoulder gently, a concerned expression on his face. "Are you alright, darling?"

Darling- I loved that word. It was my word. I knew in that moment that I had to tell Maxon because I wasn't "Aspen's girl" anymore. I wanted to be Maxon's darling, his wife, because…

Because I loved Maxon. The realization hit me like a brick. I loved Maxon Calix Schreave, and there was nothing I wanted more than to be his darling, his dear. A smile spread across my face.

"America?" Maxon's voice was cautious, as he waited for my answer.

"Hmm?"

Maxon laughed. "Are you alright? You looked a bit pale."

"Oh, umm. Yes. No. I don't know. It will be." The sleeve of my dress suddenly seemed very interesting. A pair of warm hands surrounded mine. I looked up into the brown eyes I loved so much. "I just, well ok. I need to tell you something, and you need to promise not to be irrational or get upset or anything like that. Promise?"

"I promise, America," Maxon said, laughing.

I took a deep breath before starting. "Remember when I told you about my boyfriend. The one from back home?" Maxon nodded. "Well, his name is Aspen. Aspen Leger."

Maxon looked confused as if he didn't understand the significance. I saw exactly when it clicked for him. A mixture of rage, disbelief, and sadness dashed across his face before his "prince face" slipped into place. He looked like he was about to speak but I held up a hand.

"Wait. He is- I guess he's a two now- was a Six. And he came from a big family where there was never enough food to go around. He needs this job. Please. I need you to promise that you won't fire him or send him on the next ship to New Asia. Please." I knew I had to do this, but there was a twinge of pain in my heart.

Maxon's face softened. "I understand." He said, nodding solemnly.

"There's one more thing." A smile stretched across my face. I delighted in holding the information over him. It took every fiber of my being not to blurt out exactly what I was thinking. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you.

Maxon looked up expectantly, motioning for me to continue.

"I love you," I whispered.