after the end

Chapter 5: picnics in the sun

America POV

For the remainder of the day, me, Lucy and Marlee all sat in the garden talking about everything and anything. It was exactly a month till mine and Maxons wedding and even though I got butterflies in my stomach every time I thought about it, I was really excited to finally become Maxon's wife. Marlee had gotten married while I was still in the selection after she had been stripped of her caste when they found out about her and Carter's relationship. I was a bit upset I would never be her maid of honor like we promised all those months ago, but I am glad she will be mine and will be by my side on the happiest day of my life. I had also asked Lucy if she wanted to be my bridesmaid which she happily accepted. Then a week after I had, Lucy and Aspen told us that they had gotten engaged and were to be married in the summer. I was so happy for them after everything Lucy had been through her and Aspen deserved the world. Aspen looked at her like she was the most beautiful thing he had ever laid eyes on and it was clear they were madly in love with each other. I wonder if that is what people see when they look at me and Maxon.

The main reason I was scared about our wedding was that after it, there would be a coronation making me and Maxon king and queen. Maxon every day told me how amazing I would be as the queen but I don't know how I could be better than Amberly. What if I let Maxon dow- "America!" Marlee brought me out of my head and it took a second to realise where I was. Lucy and Marlee were laughing at my dazed face, I joined in, loving the feeling of the sun on my face. I loved their company, after the selection we had become quite the trio and grown very close as a group. Of course, we still had to be careful as the King still didn't know that Marlee was living at the palace but we still found the time to hang out when I had finished my work. Lucy grabbed a chocolate-covered strawberry and put it in her mouth. I had got the chef to make us all our favorite food for today as it was the first day that had truly felt like summer and I thought we should celebrate. There wasn't a single cloud in the sky and the colour of it was the brightest blue. Also, the warmth of the sun was just right. I pulled my head back allowing the sun's rays to absorb on my face. I felt complete bliss at that moment. "America you are really out of it, aren't you today, are you ok" Marlee rested a hand on my shoulder "yeah I just have a lot to get done, the wedding and all. I still haven't got my dress yet, what if it is ugly!" Both my friends gave me a sympathetic look. "Maxon got the best designer in all of Illea for your wedding dress. So trust me when I say it will be the most spectacular dress anyone has ever seen." Marlee replied. I sighed, I knew what she said was completely right and I know Maxon went to a lot of trouble to get Valencia to design and create my dress, I'm just in my head a lot at the moment. Hopefully, this trip will help me clear my mind. Lucy and Marlee shuffled closer to me wrapping an arm around my shoulder "you don't need to worry America, we will be right behind you all the way. We love you so much!" How did I get so lucky, getting these two girls, back in Carolina I only had Aspen and I wouldn't of called him a friend back then but now I wouldn't ask for anything more. I closed my eyes and returned the gesture and snuggled closer to my two best friends "I love you too".

Mary and Paige helped me pack my suitcase when I got to my room. They would both be coming with me even though I insisted they could take the week off while I'm away as I could get dressed for my family by myself but of course they didn't listen. They had also spent the whole of the day making new dresses for me which I thought were a little too exuberant for just going to visit my family but I couldn't deny the fact they were the most gorgeous dresses that they had made so far.

When I climbed into bed I fell instantly asleep. I would never get used to the comfort of the soft pillows and the mattress that made it seem as if you were laying on a cloud. I woke up when Maxon climbed into bed an hour later trying to be as silent as he could so he wouldn't wake me. Thinking I was asleep he pushed a stray piece of hair away from my face and tucked it behind my ear before saying "I can't wait to call you my wife, I've been in love with you since the first time I set eyes on you. I can't wait for forever with you darling". I think my heart leaped out of my chest as he planted a kiss on my forehead "goodnight America". He gently slipped an arm around me, cradling me before he too fell asleep. During the selection Maxon struggled to get to sleep, he told me himself but ever since we have started to share a bed he would fall asleep instantly.

When morning came I rolled over to find Maxon still in bed with me and on the nightstand was a lukewarm cup of coffee which Maxon proudly told me he had made himself. Our suitcases were already in the car waiting and Maxon had got the chef to serve us breakfast in bed. He had also ordered strawberry tarts which are my favorite, "Is there some sort of special occasion I don't know about." I said my mouth full. Maxon laughed pulling me in closer to him "no occasion, just wanted to do something special for you" I rested my head on his shoulders "well I love it, thank you." And I gave him a kiss showing how much I cared that he went to all this trouble for me.After breakfast, I went to my room letting Paige and Mary dress me and get me ready for one of my first outings with Maxon outside the palace walls. Silvia had already told them that I had to look my best and they definitely accomplished it. They dressed me in an elegantly simple white dress that had a slit going up to my hip. Also, the fabric they used shone like stars when it caught the sunlight. However, the most beautiful piece of the outfit was that over the top of the dress they had made a sheer cloak that they had sewn flowers into it. Then Paige had braided two pieces of my hair and pinned it at the back of my head and curled the rest of it, adding tiny white flowers.

I looked beautiful and every time I looked in the mirror I was shocked, I couldn't believe the person staring back at me was me. I thanked them both before leaving to go and find Maxon, excited to see his reaction. Crossing every finger that I made the right decision to go see my family.

Thank you so much for reading and all the love you guys are giving me! I cant believe I have nearly 80 views I know that doesn't sound like a lot but when I first starting writing I thought I no one would read it! I would love it if you could recommend After the end. I also want to say a massive thank you daugular01, who has shown nothing but support! Anyways I hope you liked chapter 5. love you all, stay safe