Dauntless Brothers

[Chapter 32] Love and Initiation Problems.

I'm sitting with my History book open on the desk, pretending to be fully engrossed in what the teacher is saying. I start to flip pages when a folded paper lands on my desk.

I unfold it and at once recognize Tris's writing.

Do you want to walk back to Dauntless after school?

I nod my head and know that she understands what I mean. The last ten minutes of the day drag on. When the bell finally rings, I turn around in my seat only to find her seat empty?

"What are you looking for?" Tris asks from behind me

I turn around saying. "Wow. You're fast."

"Everyone is when they know that they'll get to spend ten minutes with the person they love." Then at once she adds. "Not to mention. Without any parents or stupid brothers bothering you."

I smile at this and quickly gather up my things before following her out of class. We make our way to the alley where I had the little fight with the Eric. Thankfully he's not here, this time.

Once there's no one in sight anymore, Tris walks close to me and slips her hand into mine. I give it a little squeeze.

"How's your mother?" She asks me.

"I don't know. She almost at once recomposed herself. She hardly ever lets any emotions slip." I tell her.

"You deserve better parents, you know." She says.

"I know and you deserve someone better than me." I reply.

"If your idea of someone better is Eric then no thanks. I'll stick with you." This makes us both laugh.

"No I'm serious. I know I said this before but being with me means asking for trouble."

"And I said this before that I don't care. No matter what happens, we'll face it. Together."

By now we've stopped walking, so she kisses my cheek and then starts walking, saying. "Hurry up or we're going to be late for lunch."

I grin to myself and start walking. When we get back to Dauntless headquarters, it's mayhem. Someone is screaming orders at people and others are gathered near the edge of the Chasm.

This makes my stomach churn.

This is bad.

This cannot happen.

Why does it have to happen every time?

"You don't think that...?" Tris trails off but I know what she means.

I see the Initiates standing to one side, looking scared and confused. I get hold of Tris's arm and walk her over to them.

"Does anyone know what's going on?" Tris asks them.

Emily who's standing at the corner of the group gives a little scream. I turn to look at her and see what scared her. The men are heaving something onto the floor.

If you look closer, you realize that it's a body.

Without looking back I start walking forward. The face seems familiar but I can't recall who it is. The face is splattered with blood.

I sense someone's presence behind me and look over my shoulder. It's Tris. She walks ahead of me and then comes to a sudden halt.

"What is it?" I ask her.

She raises a shaking hand and points towards the motionless body on the floor.

She gives a little gasp.

"Kate."