The Distance Between Us | Eric Coulter

two

I could feel my mother's disapproving stare against my back as I stared down at the five bowls laid out in front of me, taking much longer than any of the others had.

This was supposed to be an easy decision. The test is supposed to tell you what to do, they say. Yet, as I stood here on this podium, with thousands upon thousands of eyes on me, I'm stumped.

"Take your time, dear." A male voice speaks to my left.

My eyes flit over to Marcus, the leader of Abnegation who offers me a smile that was supposed to come across as reassuring, but somehow, there was something about it that didn't sit right. It was his eyes, I realise. How they were taut around the corners like he was harbouring some unresolved anger.

Despite my better judgment, I peer over my shoulder to find my mother seated beside her long-time friend and leader of Erudite, Jeanine Matthews, looking like the epitome of poise and class.

Before I could let her sway me with just the expectant look in her eyes alone, I turn my gaze forward once again.

Picking up the knife in front of me, I can't help but wonder if they've cleaned the damn thing...they must have, right?

Nicking my palm with the tip of the blade, I watch as blood pools from the wound, seeping into the small wrinkles in my skin.

I was leaving. I had already decided on our way here. Although I've already set my mind to it, it's easier said than done.

On the bright side, I wouldn't have to hear my mother berating me for my choice when I'm done with this.

Reaching up with my free hand, I clasp my locket in my hand as if it would be able to lend me some courage and reach out my bleeding hand.

"Dauntless!" Marcus announces as my blood falls and sizzles against the bowl of hot coals, prompting a sea of cheers from my new faction members.

I didn't have to look back at my Mother's face to see that it was now dark as a cloud that was rolling in before a thunderstorm.

Giuliana Caddel cares about her reputation more than anything in this world. Certainly, more than she did me. Having your daughter leave you for another faction? That was definitely seen as something that would damage it.

Well, I guess it's too late to turn back now. Raising my chin, I step off the platform to join my new faction-members who welcome me with open arms and wide grins.

I don't make the mistake of looking back again. Instead, I keep my eyes forward and ignore my mother's burning glare at the back of my head.

✯

I've never been a sporty person. Never saw the appeal of it, either. But as I ran with my new faction-mates with the wind in my hair and a wide smile on my face, I'm starting to why some people loved it. And though my legs were starting to burn, I think I was starting to love it, too.

I let out a breathless chuckle when I notice people starting to climb up the metal frame of the train tracks and shook my head. Fuck, what have I gotten myself into?

Regardless of my fears, I curl my fingers around the metal and scale that pole like I've been doing it for years, all while wearing a smile on my face knowing I will soon be reunited with the one person who's ever truly cared for me.

I push away the little nagging voice in my head that has been trying to fill me with doubt. What if he doesn't want to see you? He left for a reason, Rory. Well, I guess it was a little too fucking late to turn back now, isn't it? And so I take that voice and shove it into a tiny box in my head, locking it up and throwing away the key.

My limbs were burning by the time I got to the very top and I struggled to pull myself onto the platform but managed to eventually.

I stagger to my feet just in time to see the train zoom past me and watch as Dauntless-born members start taking off after the train. I hurry to follow suit because though they make keeping up with the train look easy, I doubted I could pull it off like they are. By the time I get my ass on this train, I'd probably be panting and sweating baskets, looking like I'm close to death.

Keeping up with the moving train as best as I can, I see some people grabbing onto the handles attached to the side of the doors and swinging themselves into the train car with ease.

I take a deep breath, drawing a little closer to one of the doors and then reaching out for the handle.

My fingers brush against the cold metal but it speeds out of reach again. I push myself to go faster until my hand finally closes around the metal bar just and then swing myself through the open door.

I fall onto my back, laughter bubbling in my throat as I stared at the ugly metal ceiling.

"Crazy, huh?" A masculine voice says to me and I look up to see a familiar Erudite standing over me.

"Immensely," I reply with a chuckle, raising on my elbows to look at him. "Will, right?"

The guy nods, "And you're Aurora Caddel."

"The one and only," I push myself to my feet, dusting my ass off.

The boy studies me curiously, "Your Mom's okay with this?"

I let out a sigh. My mother was Jeanine's right-hand woman. It always bothered her that a daughter of such a high-standing Erudite could be as unpopular as I was. She blamed it on my lack of social skills and well, Eric.

For those reasons, didn't think anyone would notice if I was gone. I guess no matter how invisible you are, people are always in for a good round of gossip.

I shrug, "It isn't really her choice, is it?"

"I guess not," He agrees.

"Get ready!" A voice calls from further down the train.

I frowned, peering over Will's shoulder and out the car door, gasping when I see Dauntless members leaping off the train and onto the roof beside us like they were in some sort of James Bond movie.

"Woah," Will mutters behind me.

"This is insane," I turn to look at him, "They're going to get someone killed."

"I don't think we have a choice," He says, "We have to jump."

I take a deep breath and nod, "Let's just get this over with," Will and I both take steps back.

"On three?" He raises a brow at me and I nod again.

"Alright. One...Two..." He counts looking like he's questioning his life choices...Well, bud, so am I. "Three!"

We both take off running and for a minute it feels as if I'm flying...Except, I didn't have wings, and as gravity works, I come crashing onto the rooftop with a groan.

"Jesus, who the fuck thought it would be a good idea to cover the damn rooftop with fucking gravel," I grumble, stumbling to my feet and shaking little bits of rock from my pants. And no, not from on top of it. From inside my damn pants.

"Alright, listen up!" My movements falter at the sound of the familiar voice and my eyes immediately search the area in hopes of seeing its owner.

It doesn't take me long since people were starting to crowd around him, to hear what he has to say.

He hasn't seen me yet and I seize the chance to take in his appearance.

He looks a little taller now and he's filled out quite a bit- definitely much more muscular than he was before. But that's not what drew me in the most. Eric has tattoos now...and brow piercings. Oddly, it suits him and I smile at the thought.

"I'm Eric, one of your leaders." He continues, still oblivious to my presence and my brows shoot up.

He's a leader. Pride wells in my chest upon hearing of his accomplishment.

"If you-" His speech comes to an abrupt halt as those familiar blue eyes that I've missed so dearly lift to meet mine and for a minute it feels as if time had frozen and it was just the two of us on that roof.