Tris the trainer

The Chasm

Tobias pov

Eric leads us through the pit towards the chasm. All I can think is oh no, oh no, oh no!

Christina is gripping onto my hand like her life depends on it- which it just might.

Once we get to the chasm Eric grabs Christina's arm and says " climb over it."

"What?" Christina screeches with pure fear in here eyes.

"Climb over the railing," Eric says again like he's talking to a child "if you can hang over the chasm for five minutes, I will forget your cowardice. If you can't, I will not allow you to continue with initiation."

The railing is narrow and made of metal. The spray from the river coats it, making it slippery and cold. when I close my eyes and imagine her falling onto the jagged rocks of the chasm. I shudder.

"Fine." She says, her voice shaking.

She is tall enough to swing her legs over the metal bars. She stands on the ledge and slowly lets herself down with shaking arms. I can see her face threw the bars. Her lips are pressed tight together.

Beside me Al sets his watch for 5 minutes.

For the first minute and a half, Christina is fine. Her hands are firm on the bar and her arms aren't shaking. I start to think it was foolish of me to doubt her. That is until a wave comes crashing by and smashes Christina's face up against the wall. Now her back is soaked and she is holding onto the railing by her fingertips. She try's to get a better grip, but her hands are wet.

If I help her Eric will make me face the same fate as her. If there was no water I could be able to do it. But with the water- I not so sure. Can I resign my self from helping her if she falls? And let my self get kicked out?

If I was in abnegation every one would be lining up to help her- but if I was in abnegation I- or Christina- wouldn't be in this situation.

I haven't been paying attention to Christina and I realize that there is a minute and a half left. I look at Al and we nod. In unison we say "come on Christina," I made up my mind. I will help her if she falls.

Another wave comes crashing along. It hits Christina in the back again and she gasps as her fingers slip off the railing. A scream lunches from my mouth. It sounds like it's coming from someone else.

She doesn't fall, she grabs the bar below her. I can't see her head anymore, her hands are all I see.

Al's watch beeps. It reads 5:00. Christina made it. "5 minutes are up" Al spits.

Eric checks his on watch taking his time. All I want to do is punch him.

"Fine," Eric says. "You can come up, Christina." Al and I walk toward the railing.

"No, she has to do it on her own."

"No she doesn't," I growl "she did what you said, she not a coward. She did what you said."

Eric doesn't respond. Al reaches over and picks her up like she ways nothing. She crumples to the ground, her face smeared with tears and makeup. Her back is soaked and she is quivering.
I kneel next to her. Her eyes lift to mine, then shift to Al, and we catch our breath together.

Thanks for reading everyone, sorry for the short chapter.

Stay brave, heather