Invergent

Chapter Ten

Elise's Perspective:

After I get off the platform, I wait for the rest of the initiates to come down. I glance over at McKell and who I'm assuming is her boyfriend, and I instantly feel sick. His arm is over her shoulder and they're chatting with no concern for personal space, their faces only a couple of inches apart. I notice the way Erin gives them a death stare.

Once Jason comes down, the pit in my stomach dissolves and I let out a breath of air I didn't realize I was holding. He's the fifth jumper. Erin helps him get to his feet and he stumbles his way towards me.

"Whoa—I feel dizzy," he says, one hand flying around in front of him and the other clutching his head. I laugh and grab his arm, trying to steady him. His legs wobble like they're made of jelly.

"You did great. Fifth jumper is nothing to sneeze at." I smile. I feel more relaxed when he's near me. He reminds me so much of my brother. He has the same olive skin, light brown hair, and tall frame. Jason has green eyes, a clean face, and a little bit more baby fat, but if he and Michale were standing next to each other, you'd assume they're related.

"Says the first jumper." Both of our smiles grow.

"I only jumped because I was afraid," I say shyly, a warm blush starting to crawl its way up my neck.

"Don't be modest, you were amazing! Dauntless through and through." I feel my face start to burn. If only he knew I was most likely the furthest person from Dauntless in this room. I didn't even choose it of my own free will. I swallow hard, covering my face with the sleeves of my hoodie.

"Thank you," I whisper.

"I'm really glad you joined. Too bad Dauntless-born and transfers are separated most of the time." My hands fall to my side, and I look at him with worried eyes.

"What!?" This cannot be happening. They're separating us? Most of the transfers are from Candor and one of them already hates me. Probably more, considering I'm from Amity. There are three from Erudite after the fourth one didn't make it on the train. I feel a pang of guilt when I think back to it. I didn't even notice until we were long gone that he never made it. Two of the Erudites are in an intense 'I need my hands on you at every possible minute' kind of relationship. That leaves one guy, one person I might be able to convince to be my ally.

"It's okay, we'll still see each other during meals. And I think training merges after fighting."

"What do you mean fighting?" I gasp in horror. I can't fight! I've never even been in a fight!

"Well..." He scratches the back of his neck nervously.

"Uh oh," Marlene says, walking up to us. "What did you do to her? She looks pale as a ghost."

"I didn't mean to!" Jason throws his hands up in defense. He looks back at me with a look of pity and I suddenly feel very nauseous.

"It's fine, I'll be fine. Can I sit down?" Jason grabs both of my arms and leads me to a bench a few feet away.

"Do you need something to eat?" Marlene asks, worried.

"No. I promise I'm fine," I assure her. I look back to McKell, who is now making out with the guy that shoved me off the roof. I roll my eyes and look back to the net. Uriah and Lynn are talking to an older-looking Dauntless boy. Three and Erin are pulling the last of the initiates to the platform.

"What happens now?"

"I think all the transfers go on a tour with Three," Marlene says. I pull the sleeves of my hoodie as far past my fingertips as they'll go, then cover my mouth and nose with my hands, taking in the fresh scent. I instantly feel better. The underground tunnels are a dramatic difference from the sunshine-y fields I'm used to.