Max and Jake's Selection

Chapter 1

(America's POV)

The boys's selection starts tomorrow. 32 girls, in a situation so similar to mine just years ago, will be entering our home and competing for the love of my two oldest children. I worry for them, yet feel excited for them as well. Surely this experience will mature them into men as wonderful as their father. Speaking of their father, Maxon is sitting next to me in bed, trying to hide his stress over this new selection.
"Maxon honey, what's wrong?"
"I'm worried America. What if Max and Jake aren't ready for this yet? This selection is different from ever before. They are going to have to share 32 girls, it could lead to so many complications!"
"Maxon, it will be just fine! Have faith in our sons, I think that they're more ready for this than we think. Remember how you felt before your selection?"
"Yes. I felt terrified. I guess that you're right though, my dear. I need to trust that they can handle this maturely." He sighed.
"I'm still not your dear..." I laughed, "Let's get some sleep, we're going to need it for tomorrow."
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(Max's POV)

I chased Clara through the hallway, her high heels tapping on the floor as she dashed around the corner. I saw the tips of her long blond hair zoom around the corner and out of sight. I raced after her but almost ran straight into my brother, who was leaning against the wall smirking at me. Clara hid behind him, her blue eyes gleaming brightly. Jake was slightly taller than me, just BARELY, had green eyes, and had hair the color of an orange, like our mother, with flecks of gold. My hair was blond like our fathers, and I had light brown eyes.
"C'mon Jake, why must you spoil the fun like always?" I rolled my eyes.
"Like always? Spoil the fun? Me?" He chuckled. "I was simply trying to protect Clara from getting injured, running in those heels? I don't know how she didn't turn out to be a klutz like her mother Marlee." Gesturing to Clara.
"My mom isn't a klutz!" Clara exclaimed, marching over into my arms. "Is she, Max?" She looked at me adoringly. What would I do with this selection taking place? When I had had a somewhat secret relationship with Clara all this time.
"Of course not dear, she's perfectly non-klutz like" I smiled down at her, hearing Jake mutter "suck up" under his breath. "Plus, your father was one of the best guards that this castle has ever had. You could never be a klutz." I kissed her quickly and she smiled, running her fingers through my hair. I loved that feeling. I loved her.
"Ahem." Jake cleared his throat. "We should be getting to bed before mom and dad find us breaking 'hallway curfew.'"
"Yeah, we should." I frowned, hugging Clara tighter. She stood on her tippy toes and whispered into my ear,
"But what about the selection? What happens when all the girls get here?" She was genuinely concerned.
"I'll find a way to see you, dear. Don't worry, I'm sure none of them could ever compare to you." I kissed her again and headed off, following Jake to our room.