America goes to Maxon and tries to tell him that Celeste has been terrorizing the girls, but Maxon refuses to believe that Celeste ruined Kriss’s dress on purpose. America points out that Celeste also provoked Anna, and she “tried to take [America’s] dress” on the night of the Report (288). Maxon becomes angry and tells America that she “[doesn’t] have to agree with [his] decisions, but [she] will abide by them” (289). They argue, and that night at dinner, Maxon tugs his ear to get her attention, but America doesn’t reciprocate. She is hurt that Maxon doesn’t believe her about Celeste, and she wonders if “all he want[s] [is] a bedmate” (290). America returns to her room and finds Aspen waiting outside. She goes to bed, and in the middle of the night, Aspen comes into her room and asks if America loves Maxon. She says no, and Aspen climbs into her bed and kisses her. America knows she should stop him, but “[she] [is] so angry with Maxon, and Aspen [feels] so comforting” (291). America tells Aspen that she has “so much to tell [him]” (293), and he promises to come back and see her. America worries about anyone finding out about Aspen, but she decides that “[i]f [Celeste] could find a way around the rules, there was nothing to stop [America]” (293).