Dauntless Born

Chapter 2 Amity Welcomes You, But...

The next morning when I wake up, the first thing I notice is people talking softly outside and laughing. I am met with a wave of Anxiety, because I do not recognize my surroundings. It was almost instantly replaced with overwhelming sadness, as I remembered where I was and why. I bite my bottom lip, my shaking hands making fists around my blanket, as I blinked hard to clear the tears that had swarmed up to the surface. I didn't want to cry. Four was still asleep, his soft breathing was what let me know he was asleep still. I didn't want to cry or wake him up. I started counting back from ten in my head. I started doing this after Amar died. At ten, I'd be at my worst, and as I counted down, slowly it'd melt back to a manageable level where I could shove it down and forget about it. As I started to calm down, I started noticing things. I had fallen asleep in my leather jacket, I felt some of my knife handles digging into my skin where I had them concealed. I sat up and saw where the one from my boot was sloppily hidden. I rolled my eyes some, whatever that tea was that Johanna had given me, had done something to me.

I tried to shift on my bed carefully but it creaked when for once, Four wasn't sleeping deeply. He woke up and looked at me. What time is it? I frowned some and shook my head. I don't know, but people are awake. I said and he nodded sitting up. We both look to Dauntless to be here. I bit my lip. Today they decided whether we could stay or not. I didn't know what we would do if they decided we couldn't stay, there was nowhere for us to go if we couldn't. Four sat up, he ran a hand over his short hair, and clearing sleep out of his eyes, as there was a knock on the door. He stood up still trying to wake up and answered the door. Someone stood there with some clothes in hand and handed them to him. He thanked them and closed the door, before tossing me the clothes that were meant for me. I held the pair of denim shorts in one hand, and the loose fitted yellow tank top in the other. What're these for? To blend. Four said pulling his shirt off. I stared at the faction symbols on his back, before looking down. Why?

The question felt heavy in the room as I didn't move, still holding the clothes in my hands. Because, we have to, if we want to make it. I shook my head some and frowned at me. We can dress like them, and act like them, even if they say we can stay, they will never accept us as one of theirs. I said, finally meeting his gaze before looking back down at the wood floors. I wanna go home. He sighed before crouching in front of me. I know, but we can't go home. I looked to my right, trying not to cry. I know this is hard, Kace, but we have to try if we want to survive. Survive. I had grown up hearing that word and always scoffed at it, but now, that word meant so much more now. I'll let you get dressed, come out when you are ready. I just sorta nodded, he stood up and walked out of the room, the door closing behind him. It still didn't feel real. I stood and changed. The shorts were pretty short on me, I tucked the yellow tank top in, but it was loose enough it hung over the waist band. I walked over to the mirror and looked into it. I pulled my arms around me tightly, my long brown hair fell over my arms. I swallowed hard and stuck the sandals on that they had given me. However I didn't go out of the room. I sat down against the foot of Four's bed, and started crying.

***
When I finally composed myself, I went to find Four. which I did find Four with Caleb and a girl in the dorms. I didn't realize it was Tris until I got closer. Her hair was now short and choppy. Whoa, what happened to you? She looked at me shocked. I mean it's nice I'm digging the hair, just shocked. Oh well, I thought I could try it, what about you? What happened to you and- she moved some of my waist length hair. I looked down some and shrugged. Thought I could try it. I said as we walked outside. I squinted and felt myself frowning. I hated how bright it was. I missed the dimly lit halls of Dauntless. At least there I couldn't get sun burned.

 Caleb looked around as we headed to the building they were holding the trial in. Does everyone know you're Marcus's son? I looked at Caleb eyes big, as that was a quick way to get killed or beaten half to death. The Abnegation, I mean. Not to my knowledge. And I would appreciate it if you didn't mention it. I glanced at Tris as she glanced at me. I don't NEED to mention it. Anyone with eyes can see it for themselves. I nervously scratched the side of my head with my middle finger, as Caleb looked at me, he didn't get the hint of stop asking questions. How old are you anyway? He asked looking back at Four. Eighteen. And don't you think that's a little old to be with my little sister? She isn't your little anything. Four snapped Tris rolled her eyes. Stop it. Both of you. Tris snapped some. I stopped walking as they stopped moving.