Erudite's Experiments

Trials

POV Third Person

"Are they going to be okay?" Marlene asks Four and Eric as the door closes behind Sidney and Rosalie.

"Unlikely." Peter, Lynn, and Mia say.

"Sidney and Rosalie are good at what they do. They'll be back." Four says.

The next day is Visiting Day. Every initiate is nervous about it and unsure if their families will show. Tris is surprised when, not only her mother, but her father are also waiting for her.

"Look at you! You've filled out!" Natalie says, hugging her daughter before Tris hugs Andrew.

"You look beautiful, Beatrice." He says.

"Honey, where's your sister?" Natalie asks.

"She was called away on assignment yesterday." Tris says. Both Priors feel dread in their stomachs, but nod.

"Well, I'm sure she's being as careful as possible. Now, tell us how you are doing." Andrew says.

"You first." Tris says, old habits dying hard. Both adults smile.

"Today is about you. It's our gift. How is initiation going?" Natalie asks.

"Okay, I guess." Tris says.

"I guess? Tris is one of the best this year." Peter says, walking up.

"I'm having a sense of deja vu." Andrew mutters and Natalie laughs.

"Sorry for interrupting, but my parents wanted to meet my friends." Peter says.

"Mom, dad, this is Peter Hayes. Peter, his is my dad Andrew and my mom Natalie." Tris introduces.

"Hayes...any relation to Sidney Hayes?" Andrew asks, shaking his hand.

"He's my older brother, sir."

"Well, this year must have been interesting for the trainers." Natalie laughs.

"Apparently it was very different. Tris and I have both been given early invitations to be Faction Guards in some of the most elite groups. Sidney and Rosalie took us on the routes." Peter says proudly.

"You guess initiation is doing okay?" Andrew asks Tris, who is blushing. "I am so proud of you, honey."

"Thanks, dad."

"I don't see how someone her size could be that good." Peter's mother says snootily.

"They were using me as a sniper, I have really good aim, and I use my size to my advantage. Aim low, hit hard." Tris answers. She just hums her understanding, obviously not believing her.

"Right, well we're just going to go over here now. It was nice meeting you." Peter says, ushering his parents away. He turns back and mouths to the Priors. "I'm sorry."

All three nod their understanding.

The three Abnegation, former and current, talk and catch up for over two hours after that, but the adults eventually have to go.

"Take care of yourself, Beatrice." Andrew says, hugging his youngest tightly.

"We are so proud of you." Natalie says, moving to hug her.

"Remember that we love you dearly." Andrew says.

"I love you too. I'll see if I can get to Caleb soon."

"Thank you. Tell him that we would visit if we could, but we love him and miss him very much."

"I will." Tris promises and then they leave.