Escaping Candor

Chapter TRIS

-I hear the coals sizzle.

Cheers erupt out of Dauntless. And for the first time in a while, I smile for real.

I walk over to the Dauntless,

And I see Adam.

The smile, HIS smile comes back, and this time-

it doesn't slip away

I should have known from the moment I met him, he was dauntless. His mischievous grin, his ability to lie, the slight thril seeker he is, always showed through.

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The ceremony ends. We have to leave. I see my parents in the crowd, my mother's face still full of shock. But she locks eyes with me, and it slightly fades. Her expression turns to something like understanding. And I realize, or think, for the first time.

Was my mother Dauntless?

My facial emotion must show through, because she nods her head. I wish I could ask her more. But I'm pushed down the stairs.

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The air hits me like a sword breaking a chain. I'm free. I am Dauntless.

They- we- head to the tracks and start to climb the supports. I know what to do. So does Adam. We follow them up. It's near our nook. He freezes there, then keeps climbing. I wonder if he's been there since that day. Probably. But I was always there? When would he be? And I remember. That mysterious force that always seemed to watch me. Adam perhaps? I'm being superstitious. But is it that crazy?

I hear the train nearing. I know what to do. Adam and I used to try all the time. He made me do it once every time we came. Only now do I understand. He fully intended to be Dauntless. And he was training me just in case.

" Rose. They're making us jump. You remember how?" He asks, slight concern showing through, very slight.

Truth is, I've practiced every day since.

" I may have done it a few times since then. What makes you think I didn't?" He pauses.

" Are you worried about me" I ask with fake shock showing through. Although, some might be real.

He smiles and bites his lip before saying, " Well, if you fall to your death, possibly." He says, acting like it's no big deal. I can tell he doesn't like the thought though.
I return the smile, turn, and jump to the rooftop. I land perfectly on my feet. Adam has to roll. It's not a bad roll though, he just didn't land perfect.

" You really have been practicing haven't you?" He realizes. I chuckle and walk to the group.

Max, Dauntless leader, tells us to jump off a rooftop into an unknown hole. I'll do it. I don't mind. But before I can speak up, a Dauntless born does.

Cheers come from that side. Zeke- I think- is his name. He steps onto the ledge, and jumps.

" Next initiate step up." I walk up before anyone else can. I step onto the ledge. I can hear Adam gulp. I extend one foot,

And I jump.

I seem to be falling forever, when a shock goes through my body, and I am sprung up into the air again.

I fell on a net.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding in.

I see an extended hand and grab it. It's Max.

" What's your name?" He asks once I'm out.

" Rose." I answer. He yells my name. Cheers erupt from the crowd.

I really do belong here.

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