Previous Divergence

The sound of birds chirping makes me lift my head off of the pillow. More like bats, I thought quietly. I walked out of my room in my Dauntless home. Although I am a Dauntless born, I have never gotten a tattoo or piercing in my 16 years. I am out of place with my pale skin compared to the rest of my siblings and friends.

My brother, Jacob, has more ink on his right side alone than I have in a 100 pack of ink pens. My little sister, Darcy, already has a belly button ring and a small nose stud. I overlook myself in the body length mirror I have hanging on my door. I am plain, tall, skinny, and boring.

I pull my long, amber hair into a ponytail and walk over to the bathroom sink. As I wash my face, a knock comes to the door. A tall, grey haired figure walks in the room. He must be here to wake me up, even though I am already awake.

"Oh, you're awake. Sorry. So, are you ready for today?" An eager smile is on his face. Oh yes. Today is the aptitude test. Every year 16 year olds are required to take a test, testing their inner qualities. Their results determine which faction they will spend the rest of their lives in. The testies can choose which faction they would like to be in no matter what, but it is preferred that you choose one most similar to your test results.

Five choices. Five factions. One hard decision. Of course every year somebody always chooses one they will most likely fail initiation at, but that doesn't matter to them. What matters is how they look at it. I stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror.

"Yes, I mean, am I supposed to be?" I'm nervous about the test in all honesty. I come from a line of pure blooded Dauntless (the brave). I have to live up to their expectations as well as my own.

"It's okay if you're afraid. I was too. Just because you're supposed to be brave doesn't mean you are now. That's what initiation is for. Whatever the results are, I will always love you." My father gives me a warm smile. I can tell he means it because his eyes are shining with love and warmth. I cherish that about him.

"Thanks, but I'm not afraid." My voice sounds defensive. I didn't mean to come off that way. I meant to assure him that I was okay. Instead if apologizing I watch my father kiss my forehead and walk out of my room.

I walk back into my room and start opening drawers. I finally decide on a black crop top and a leather jacket with some black flare jeans. I put my black sneakers on and add a touch of eyeliner and silver eyeshadow. I walk back into the bathroom to check my appearance. Plain. Boring. I hear a light voice behind me, interrupting any thoughts or gears thinking in my head.

"You know," Darcy starts to say, "we all know how brave you are. Don't lie. I think you should get a pricing or a tattoo to prove it." Now I was getting advice from a 14 year old.

"Really? I don't know...." My voice trails off.

"We woke up early! Come on, Raven. Let's go get you dolled up!" Darcy grabs my hand and drags me out of the bathroom. As we are running out of the apartment type house she screams "I'm going with Raven to get her first tattoo! We're early!"

"Be careful." Is all I hear from Jacob, who sits next to my dad reading the paper.

"Don't get anything giant. You'll want more room!" My dad. Mr.Protective. Is giving me, Raven Lacey Admen,advice towards getting a tattoo. This otta be interesting.