Maxon and America (Chapter 14)
Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 3:14PM (On one of the Reports, America mentions joking about the pet name Maxon wanted his wife to call him, but never says what it is. It got cut, along with some other traits of Maxon. As I got to know him and his family, I realized some of this wouldn’t happen. First, no pets, and second, only one hobby. Maxon was under a lot of pressure to start focusing on his future as king.)
“What about your parents?” he pressed.
“What about your parents?” I replied.
“You know my parents.”
“No I don’t! I know the public image of them. What are they really like?” I pulled on his arm, which was quite a feat. Maxon’s arms were huge. Even beneath the layers of his suit, I could feel the strong, steady muscles there. Maxon sighed, but I could tell I didn’t really exasperate him at all. He seemed to like having someone pester him. It must be sad to grow up in this place without any siblings.
“My mom is, quite possibly, the most wonderful creature on the planet. She’s generous and good. I admire her in a thousand ways. She’s very good at resolving conflicts, and she knows how to calm down my dad. She’s just a very soothing person. And she’s always trying to get me to better myself. I owe so much of who I am to her.”
There was no denying the admiration in Maxon’s voice. I loved my parents, but I don’t think I had that degree of reverence for either of them.
“My dad, he’s a workhorse. He really cares about the country, and he wants it to work. So he spends most of his time planning and speaking and all that. I don’t remember the last time he took a vacation and spent time with just mom and me.” He squinted his eyes like he was looking backwards through time, trying to find a moment where just the three of them existed.
“I’m sorry, Maxon.” He smiled when I said his name. Then I realized I should have called him ‘Your Majesty’. Oops.
“It’s alright. Now that I’m old enough, we’re doing more together. He’s teaching me, getting me ready to lead. I hope I don’t let him down. I hope I don’t let anyone down.” He was quiet for a moment. “Can I tell you something?”
“Anything.” I meant it.
“It’s a little overwhelming. I mean, I’m twenty-three years old, I’ve been sheltered all my life, and all of the sudden I’ve got to pick out a wife and learn to rule a very young and unstable country. It’s a bit terrifying.”
“Which is scarier: the wife or the job?” I asked with a laugh. Maxon joined in.
“Well, at least I’ll have help running the country. I’ve got to pick the girl on my own.” He did look a little frantic around his eyes.
“Do you want help? I do spend more time with the girls than you do.”
“Ha! I suppose you do. Sure then, tell me something. Something I can use, too.”
I looked around to make sure no one could hear us. There were guards out now that it was dark. They all seemed on edge. We were breaking rules it seemed, and that made me happy. They weren’t close enough to hear if I whispered, so I leaned into Maxon’s ear.
This time last week, the idea of being this close to him would have enraged me.
“Steer clear of Celeste and Bariel. They’re beautiful, I know, but they both care more about the position than they do about you. Be careful.”
“Celeste? Really! She seems so nice.”
“Of course she does. She really wants it. But I’ve seen her talk to the other girls. Trust me, she’s worse than she seems. It’s only been a few days, so she’s probably doing just fine. But venom like that… you can’t hide that forever.”
“Would it offend you if I let her stay?” He looked a little nervous. Afraid that he’d have to let her go before he really knew her.
“No. Of course not. It’s a very serious decision, and no one should make it for you. But if you ever ask my honest opinion of a girl, I will always give it to you. And I’ll let you decide what you do with that. The thing is, Maxon, you can’t live other people’s lives for them. And yours is so full, I don’t think I’d even want to try. But I’ll be honest with you.”
“Thank you, America. I can’t tell you how refreshing that is.”
We walked in silence for a little while. These quite moments didn’t feel strained. I kind of liked them as much as the talking.
“I’m sorry I called you Maxon. I just forgot. Gosh, if Silvia heard me, I bet I’d get an earful.”
“Ha! Maybe worse with Silvia. She’s been around here forever. She’s the one who trained me.” That seemed funny. The idea of Maxon being taught table manners like me, as if he wasn’t born with it all already, was strange. “But, how about we make that part of the deal? Whenever we’re alone, you can call me Maxon.”
“Really?”
“Of course. It’s nice.”
“Well won’t these other girls call you Maxon, too? What will your wife call you then?”
“Hopefully, she’ll call me My Beloved Rock God Maxon.”
I doubled over, I was laughing so hard.
“Rock God?” I choked out.
“For all you know, I am. I’m not too terrible on a guitar, thank you very much. Of course, my tutors prefer that I play classical music.”
“That’s so funny! Sorry. Just caught me off guard there.”
“I’ll have to do it more often. I like your laugh.”
“Wait! You said this was part of the deal. What do you want in exchange?” I pulled my hands from around his arm. If we were striking a deal then I had to look official.
“Well, I want to call you something, too. Are you still opposed to being My Dear?”
“Yes! Very!” I folded my arms, but that only made him laugh.
“Ok, let’s see then. What’s a good nickname for you? America is quite a mouthful.” He thought a moment. “What about Amy?”
“Aren’t you paying attention at all? There’s already an Amy here,” I scolded.
“Drat! You have to give me a break. There’s only one of me and a gaggle of you.” It was too dark to tell if he was blushing, but he did look embarrassed.
“I know everyone’s names.”
“Of course you do.” His tone implied that he wasn’t surprised in the least. “Ok then. How about Mer?”
It hit me like a fist. Like the ‘No’ in the tree house had. It felt like a physical punch in the stomach to hear that endearment.
“No. Not that.” My voice was cold, almost empty.
“What’s wrong? What did I say?” Maxon looked terrified. He definitely needed this competition to get a woman. He’d be hopeless on his own.
He had been so honest with me; I chose to be honest with him.
“He used to call me that. Please don’t…”
“Oh. I’m sorry. Of course not. You have my word.”
We both stood there, uncomfortable now. He was trying to be playful, but touched on the one subject that left us both feeling awkward. I had to wonder again what I was doing here. And he had to be thinking the same thing.
With all the work he had to do, how many girls here were dying for his affection and attention, he didn’t have time to waste with me. I could just imagine the disappointment as he’d missed dinner with them all tonight in favor of learning about me—the one girl that didn’t matter.
“You know, I bet it would make everyone happy if you showed up for dessert. They’d probably be relieved to see you.”
He sighed, aware I was ending our evening together. “You’re probably right. Thank you very much for you company this evening.” He bowed to me.
I curtseyed and said “Your Majesty.” Without meeting his eyes, I rose to leave. I only managed to get a few steps.
“America,” he called.
I stopped a turned. I was absolutely sure I’d pushed his kindness too far. I was about to go home.
“It’s Maxon, if you don’t mind.” He smiled.
I smiled. I surprised myself with how happy I was to still have his friendship.
“Goodnight, Maxon,” I said and went up to my room.
Deleted Scenes
Reader Comments (72)
Thank you so much for posting these! I LOVED The Selection, and am dying while I wait for The Elite and The Prince. It's nice to have a some little tidbits like these to tide me over! But now that I've read them I'm all impatient again... GRR!
Love your writing and can't wait for more!
-Ryann
Ownn that's so cute, it should be on the book! I loved! And considering that today is valentine's day makes me love more! oh, there are more? I mean delected scenes? Because I would love to read them too, but if doesn't I think I'll have to wait for The Prince and The Elite, which is almost impossible! Anyway tank you for this! You made my day! xoxo
-Jordana
Thanks so much for posting these! If there is more I would love to read them. I LOVE the Selection so much!! I can't wait for the Elite and the Prince to come out! I'm counting down the days, waiting is agony. Thanks so much for the wonderful story of the selection!
For the Elite. America HHHAAASSSSS TO marry PRINCE MAXON. i would cry if she didn't. it would ruin my whooolllleeee life! PPLLLEEEEAAAASSSSEEE!!!!!!!
Everyone is agreeing with me. Aspen broke her heart. She likes Maxin now.
Just please. I loved the selection ive read it 1000000 times. can't wait for the Elite....but it hasss to be MAXON!
thanks <3
Oh my gosh, I loved this scene, I get what you mean about the traits and hobbies and stuff, but it's good to know what Maxons pet name would be and stuff. One thing though, isn't Maxon 18 not 23?
Hmmm... I always pictured Maxon as being 18. He doesn't seem as mature as a 23 year old...
Ok when I read that Maxon was 23 I had to go back and reread the part of the ages if the girls they were asking to send in papers. 16-20 year old girls. If Maxon chose a 16 year old there will be a 7 repeat 7 year gap between them. I know when it comes down to love it doesn't matter as much but seven years seems like a bit of a stretch. And if he chose a 20 year old there is still a three year gap between them. I just feel like the ages should have been adjusted a little bit so there isn't a possible seven year gap inbetween Maxon and his possible bride.... Just a thought. In full honesty I was thinking that Maxon was around 19 or so...
Ok age rant done now. :)
The scenes with America and Maxon are the best and give me butterflies inside. ♥ Maxica forever!!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Kayla ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I loved these as much as I loved the book. I loved the 'America and Juliet' and the 'Maxon and America'
It's probably too expensive, but you should publish a version with all of your deleted scenes. Maybe an ebook. That would be my dream come true (other than marrying Maxon myself of course)
Hahaha that was amazing! I loved the "My Beloved Rock God Maxon" XD I loved The Selection so much and I'm glad you decided to share some of the deleted scenes with us. I can't wait for The Prince and The Elite!
~Catherine
Honestly, I kind of wish these would have been kept in the final draft except for the one with May.
My only hope for this series is that Aspen . . . dies. I'm sorry, I never liked him and he's just . . . I don't know, pathetic.
-Kenzy
It's bad to say, but I agree with Kay on this one. And it said in the Elite summary that a great tragedy happens to America, so maybe he does die. That would make me sort of glad. He is a lying scumbag. He doesn't deserve America. Team Maxon forever!!!!
Maxon. What do I say about Maxon? Well for starters if America doesn't want him I'll take him because he is pure perfection. I think they are adorable together and I find myself smiling and giggling like a school girl when they have cute scenes like this together. Can't wait for the next book!
I find it funny that Aspen calls America Mer, since it's my nickname. I'm, of course, all the way team Maxon. Obviously, he's sort of hard to turn down. I don't really see much chemistry between Aspen and America, it just seems as though it's all passion and the fun of hiding. But I do think that if it weren't for The Selection, she and Aspen would have had a happy life together.
-Mer
Such an awesome gift but know I'm even more eager for The Elite! Oh Maxon he's such a good guy....his nickname was so funny especially for a prince! The scenes with America and Mrs. Leger and with Juliet were really touching. If you have any more deleted scenes... I just wanna know everything :D
oh, my beloved rock god maxon, why can't you be real?
Oh thanks for sharing these. My favorites are those with Mrs. Leger, May, Juliet and of course, Maxon. I mean, why would anyone be cutting those scenes? It's perfect for the book. But I still love The Selection and I'm dying for The Elite and The Prince. We're all so excited!!!
I love My beloved Rock God Maxon!! ;)
I LOVE these! I wish most of them or at least part of them were in the actual book, but its still an amazing book without them! These are not edited? I cant wait for elite to come out!
Oh my gosh!!!! I got my whole year (grade) obsessed with this book.... And my bestie loves Aspen, but I love Maxon.... this is soooooo perfect. I wish it was in the book! Thanks soo much! I loved the one with Mrs. Leger, and Maxon (of course)!!!! And I agree with like everyone who has posted a comment.
I really wish America likes Prince Maxion more, but I think I know how the story is going to end. America is going to marry ASpen and Her sister is going to marry the prince.
These were amazing and just made me that more exited for The Prince and The Elite! I cannot wait to read them! I desperately hope America ends up with Maxon!!
OH MYY :''> I LOVE MAXON! YEEY :) Thank you for posting these! I hope America and Maxon will be forever and ever! HAHA XD I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE ELITE!!
Wow. I only found this series a few days ago, but I am already in love with it! These outtakes are really cute. I can see why some of them didn't make it (the rock god comment. Made me laugh but would have ruined the mood), but thank you for sharing them nonetheless. America is so strong and kind and I see much of her in the woman I want to be.
Preorderd the prince two weeks ago read it not as good as I thought it would be but loved the Elite preview. Maxica forever beacause they will always be together like forever the loss should. Be Marlie. To Die but seriously American. Has to Mary Macon Maxics