So this morning I'm teaching Isabelle and Hunter self-defense. We set out mats and all in the gym. They are pretty good. I'm not teaching them everything today because that would be a lot. Just the basics. When we finish with that Maxon had to go work. We all hang out in the garden for a while. "I have an idea, " I declare. "What is it?" Isabelle asks. "What if we held a concert here. It would be in the ballroom and anyone could come. It'll be a charity event as well. We'll put the money towards a soup kitchen. I gesture towards Vera, Hunter, and Isabelle and say, "You three would be the stars. Ben and Gigi, you could set up your art at the entrance to the palace like a gallery. Sell whatever you want. You keep 100% of the profits and the palace will supply you with anything you need to make these pieces or make more before and/or after. The stars here would keep half of the profits from the concert and half will go toward the soup kitchen, " I propose. Everyone gets very excited. "The musicians want all the money to go towards creating a soup kitchen, " Vera says. Hunter and Isabelle nod. "Wait, you have to perform with us, " Hunter says. "That will almost guarantee more people to come!" Isabelle says. "I really shouldn't this is about you guys, " I say. "Nonsense you should perform with us, " Vera insists. "Alright, " I concede. "What shall we sing?" I ask. "Did you just say shall?" Isabelle asks. I gasp and say, " I've been around Maxon too long." "Anyways you and Hunter should sing a duet and he can still play guitar. My mom can play bass or the flute and I can play drums or piano whatever goes with the song!" Izzie says. Hunter looks a little surprised that she just said a duet. "Works for me. I'll do whatever, " I say. "Alright, " Hunter says trying not to show his excitement but failing miserably. "We can practice wherever this week and the benefit sha- will be Saturday evening. Write a list of what art supplies you'll need and what kinds of stands you'll need, " I say. "We will use the piano in the women's room because it's the best one. For the other instruments, you can either use yours or some that the palace has. If you need new ones you can pick out some from the palace. We have wearable microphones that Hunter can wear so it's easier to play. I'll probably use a handheld one so I have something to do with my arms, " I laugh with the last bit. They all nod. They thank me a thousand times and then they head home. I really hope Maxon is okay with this.
A week later right before the concert...
So Vera and Isabelle insisted that I have a slightly different outfit from them. Hunter is going to wear a white t-shirt with white jeans and a red leather jacket.
I'm wearing white and red.
Vera and Izzie are wearing all white. Vera had a panel put in her top because she thought she needed it. (hair is the same as in pictures) We decided on all sorts of songs so there will be a piano, bass, flute, violin, guitar, and drums. Ben and Gigi have all of their art set up already. Once people get here we prepare to start. "Ready?" I asked. "Yeah, " Hunter says. Vera and Isabelle nod. So we start. By the end of the night, we have a lot of money to put towards opening a soup kitchen.
The next morning...
Maxon and I are watching the news before we have to get out of bed to get our day started. The news shows some pictures of the concert last night and then it starts with pictures of me and Hunter! What the?! "The scandal concerning Princess Daphne of France and King Maxon of Illèa was deemed a misunderstanding due to Maxon had to let Daphne kiss him or Queen America's life was on the line. However, is our Queen dissatisfied with her husband? She and a Five from Angeles Hunter Arts have been looking pretty cozy. Are they having an affair?" the reporter says as pictures of me and Hunter went across the screen. They were taken out of context. Well except for the one where he lifted me up in the air after we nailed one of the songs. Maxon looks furious. "What is the meaning of that?" he asks. "Those were taken out of context! I promise nothing is going on!" I say panicked. "I want to head it from him, " Maxon says. He rushes off to get dressed and I do the same.
So I get ready as fast as I can and I run to Maxon's room to see him. "Maxon where are you going?" I ask. "To see Hunter!" he says annoyed. "Maxon I promise nothing is or was going on!" I say desperately. I kiss him and he pulls back and slaps me this time. I can feel the tears coming to my eyes. I can also see that Maxon immediately regretted it. I stand there in shock as he backs away. He then runs out the door. I follow him. Stupid me why did I wear heels. He then runs towards the forest I'm pretty far behind him because of these shoes! Wait was is Maxon carrying! It's the pictures great he found the paper versions.
Meanwhile at the Arts' house...(Hunter's POV)
We are all watching the news when the supposed scandal between America and I comes on. That never happened. I mean those are us in the pictures but oh nevermind! I like America I really do, but she's married and has twins. My whole family gasps when they see that on tv. "Hunter is that true, " my mom scolds. Isabelle looks happy and sad at the same time it's hard to explain. "That's not true none of it is!" I say. "Hunter...are you sure. Do not lie to me, " my mom says sternly. "I'm not we did not have an affair! There was no scandal. Those pictures- ok yes that was us but those don't mean anything, " I say frazzled. "Uh-Oh, " Gigi says starting at the window. We all rush over to the window to see Maxon running towards our house. He's just exiting the forest. I look at my mom scared. When Maxon is almost to the steps that lead to our front door and America comes running after him. She's in a dress and what I've heard girls call stilettos. She's kinds stumbling a little bit. It must be incredibly difficult to walk in those needless to say run! "Maxon wait please, " she begs. He doesn't listen. This won't be good. How did he get his hands on paper pictures already? My mom turns the news off and we all prepare for what's about to happen next. Maxon pounds on the door. America almost trips on her dress. There is some sort of black band on her leg right above the end of the dress. I answer the door and step outside. "Maxon it's not what I looks like I promise, " I say. He hands me the stack of pictures. America has a little trouble running up the stairs in those shoes so I put my hand out to help. I think I just made it worse. "Thanks, " America says. "I don't believe you, " Maxon accuses. "Well you should!" I shoot back. "Maybe if you paid attention to your wife you would know nothing is going on!" I yell. "I do pay attention to her!" he yells. America stays quiet. Her cheek is all red, but just one. It looks kinda like a handprint. Wait- he slapped her! "Is that why you slapped her!" I accuse. America looks at me surprised I knew. Her hand shoots up to her cheek. "How did-" he starts. "What have you ever done for her?" I question. "More than you can imagine, " he says. I was alive during the selection it didn't seem to be much. "Maxon, " America finally says. He turns to her. "You know when you and Daphne kissed? I forgave you. I know that was a little different but you have to trust me that nothing happened, " she says. He looks down ashamed. "Ok. I'm sorry, " he says. She gives him a look. "Oh Hunter I am sorry, " Maxon says. I nod not wanting to say anything. "I'm going home my dear join me for dinner tonight please, " Maxon tells America. "I am not your dear but I shall join you for dinner, " America replies. America apologizes to me and my family like a thousand times she said she'll fix everything with the news and all. I walk her out we say goodbye but she turns around after only taking one step. "Hunter please be honest with me I have to know, " she says in a hushed tone. I nod. "Do you have you know any feelings for me?" she asks. "Honestly yes I do America and I know we can't be together but I still want to be the best of friends I hope this doesn't change anything. Do you have feelings for me?" "Ok and it won't. You are right we can't be together. I honestly don't know Hunter. I mean on a level I do but Maxon and I are married with kids. We've been through so so much and I know I love him. You always could be a brother to me, " she says. "I'd like that and one day when you are ready would you tell me what you two have gone through during the selection?" I ask. She nods and heads home.
Please comment on what you think about the chapter and if you like it or not. Comment if you have any ideas and I promise you will receive credit. Love y'all! Stay tuned for more!