Dauntless Rising

Full Plate

Ara and I walked to dinner and sat down with Angie, Evan (who were holding hands under the table), and Melody. Alex was with them, and I sat next to him, Ara sitting on the other side of me, across from Melody.

"Hey." I smiled nervously up at Alex.

"Are you going to eat?"

I shook my head. "I'm not hungry."

"Ana? Not hungry?" He mockingly placed the back of his hand on my forehead. "Are you sick?" He teased.

"I'm fine." I chuckled weakly and feigned a smile.

Just at that moment, Luke walked over and leaned his head around Ara's neck, kissing her. He grabbed her hand and led her away. I saw James across the cafeteria look and then turn his head away. I felt bad for him. I'll deal with Ara later.

I brought my attention back to Alex.

"So what was all that about... you know, with Tris?"

I sighed. "We just talked about our fear simulation."

"But it seemed so urgent. You also tried to talk to her before Al-" He cut off.

"It wasn't urgent. Everything's fine."

"Anastasia Mason, you are the worst liar in the history of Dauntless. And besides, I know you. Something's up. What is it?"

My heart began beating out of my chest. "I can't tell you."

"You can't tell me?" He sounded more hurt than angry. "I tell you everything. I trusted you with my fears, my deepest secrets, my very life! And you can't tell me about a conversation you had?"

"Telling you would put you in danger. I can't do that to you."

He scoffed. "I find that hard to believe." He stood up and left the table. He normally had a bigger appetite than I did, yet he left a full plate on the table.