Mother's Daughter - Divergent

Chapter Eleven

A/N: This is a flashback to when Six went to Erudite to see one of her old friends, Lauren (you will find this scene in chapter nine). 

"Sorry to make an abrupt pause in our conversation but I think we can both agree we don't need the whole faction hearing our conversation." Lauren chuckles and I pull a weak crooked smile. But she isn't finished with what she has to say just yet...

"The whole faction is curious as to why you transferred. You are pretty popular." She adds and I just look to the ground in shame but also in amusement.

"Lauren I'm not telling you why I transferred. It's a personal matter, please don't ask." I say as politely as possible. Lauren is one of my best friends, I don't want to sound horrible towards her.

"You're right, I'm sorry. Just doesn't feel right now you are not here. Your mother-" I cut her off.

"What are you on about? What do you mean it doesn't feel right?" My eyebrows are furrowed and I see Lauren gulp as if she is scared of me.

"You know whatever you say is safe with me. Tell me what's going on, now." I demand but not in a harsh way. She nods. 

"It's your mother or Jeanine Matthews shall I say. Rumors have been spreading about her, you, and Abnegation since you left." Lauren looks uncomfortable, leaning onto a side counter for support. I hate seeing her scared, especially from my presence, but I need to know what's going on.

"What rumors?" I ask, and she looks at me dead in the eyes.

"It has been rumored that Erudite plans to overthrow Abnegation. They have been breaking factional laws and of course, they need to be upheld. Another rumor I have heard was Jeanine has been seen at Dauntless, talking to leadership there. It seems as if she has been making an alliance that involves you." When she finishes her sentence she gulps again. Involving me? What good could she make of me now, I'm in a completely different faction? 

I go over to Lauren and hug her. She shouldn't be scared of me, not just because I'm in Dauntless now.

"Thanks for telling me. It doesn't seem good, no matter what it is. But, do you believe them?" I ask, trying my best not to pressure any more than I have done already. 

At first, she was hesitant and I see her chew the inside of her lip.

"I hate to admit it, but I do. If Abnegation is not upholding the factional laws, then someone must intervene so that the faction system works and keeps us all safe. Don't you agree?" Lauren says in an innocent tone. Her innocent tone manages to frustrate me. How could she be so oblivious to how wrong this all is? 

"I have to go, Lauren, I don't want to get caught and kicked out of Dauntless. Goodbye." And with that goodbye, I leave the Erudite compound and hop on the train back to Dauntless.