Invergent

Chapter Nineteen

McKell's Perspective:

I help Parker back to the dorms where we talk and relax for a few hours before my date with Erin. A few minutes before 7, I reluctantly head to the bathroom to get ready. I wear a simple black shirt and leggings and wear my hair down. I forgot to bring any makeup from my home in Candor, so I keep my face plain. It's not like I want to put much effort into this date, anyway.

I say goodbye to Parker and head to the chasm. Erin is already there, pacing nervously in front of the metal railing. "Hi," I say as I approach.

He turns to face me and says, "Good. You're here. Follow me."

I follow him up a couple flights of stairs and across a stone walkway. I may not be afraid of heights, but I still keep as far away from the edges as I can. Finally, we arrive at a nice looking restaurant. Food from the cafeteria is free for everyone in Dauntless, but you can also spend credits to eat at the few restaurants around the Pit.

The restaurant is spacious and well-lit. It has elegant and classy decor, including white tablecloths, a crystal chandelier, silver plates and silverware, and candles on every table. It feels distinctly un–Dauntless, almost like we stepped through a portal to another dimension. I suppose even Dauntless want to feel fancy every once in a while.

A waiter with a nose ring and a tattoo covering his entire left arm greets us. He seems to recognize Erin and immediately leads us to the back of the restaurant and through a door into a private room with a table set for two. The lights are much dimmer in here. I guess private rooms are one of the perks of being a Dauntless leader.

We sit down and I study Erin. His hands are clasped in front of him on the table and he's looking everywhere but my face. We sit in uncomfortable silence for several seconds. Finally, I say, "So, Erin, what's it like being a Dauntless leader so young?"

He clears his throat. "It's challenging, but I like it. Age doesn't really matter here, so I have as much power as any of the other leaders."

"Interesting." I'm already looking forward to this night being over.

"Yeah. I'm in charge of the entire initiation program. I'm the one who implemented a lot of the new changes we've had over these past couple years."

"Impressive. If you don't mind me asking, which faction did you transfer from? Or were you Dauntless-born?"

A muscle in his jaw twitches. "I came from Erudite."

"Oh, cool. I'm sure you already know, but I came from Candor."

"Yeah, I kind of figured that out when you showed up here in Candor black and white."

"Right." I laugh. "Wow, my first day already seems like ages ago."

He turns one of the rings in his eyebrows and leans back in his chair. "To be honest, you caught my eye the moment I saw you. Being first jumper is no small thing, after all."

"Well, I wasn't exactly first jumper. Not the only first jumper, at least."

"Yeah, well, I have no interest in that preppy, cheerful Amity girl. Besides, being first jumper isn't the only thing I've noticed about you."

Before I can respond, the waiter enters the room carrying two covered plates. He sets them in front of us, then fills our glasses with water. I lift the cover off of my plate to see a sirloin steak cooked to perfection, a baked potato with all the toppings, a roll topped with golden butter, and a salad drizzled with dressing.

Conversation temporarily ceases as we eat. The food is absolutely delicious, but its taste is soured by the company. When we're both finished with our meal, the waiter takes away our empty plates and brings us each a bowl with three scoops of ice cream, one vanilla, one chocolate, and one strawberry.

"Ice cream!" I exclaim. "But how did you get this? Ice cream is a Candor treat."

"Yes," Erin says, "it is. I had it specially requested. I thought you might enjoy something from home."

I set my spoon down. "Erin, I really appreciate all this, but what are you expecting from me, exactly? You know I'm seeing someone, right?"

He clenches his jaw. "Parker, right?" 

I nod.

"Yes, I know you're dating him. However, I thought that a woman such as yourself would have higher standards. Why continue to involve yourself with a powerless initiate when you can have a leader of the Dauntless? I can offer you many things that he can't even dream of."

"Look, I'm flattered that you singled me out, but I'm in love with Parker. I'm happy and I don't want to leave him. Thank you for the offer, but my answer is no."

Anger flashes in his eyes. "I understand. However, I believe you will come to regret that decision. When you do, my offer will still stand." Without another word, he gets up and walks out.

I finish my ice cream before going back to the dorms. When I get there, I see Parker talking to Polly and Dru. When he sees me, he leaves them and walks over to me. 

"How was it?" He asks.

"It was...fine. He kind of treated it like a business arrangement. Honestly, it could have been much worse. But, back to you, were you talking to Polly and Dru just now?"

"Yeah, I was. Why, is that a problem?"

"No, it's just—well, they're kind of..."

"You know I was friends with them when we were kids. We were just catching up. Besides, it's not like you can say anything about my choice of company when you were just hanging out with Erin, of all people."

"That wasn't by choice—you know what? I'm tired. I'm going to go to bed. Goodnight."

I walk over to my bed and kick off my shoes. I lay there for hours, replaying my conversations with Parker and Erin over and over. I have a sick feeling, like I did something to betray Parker. And to make it worse, I snapped at him about his talking to Polly and Dru. Just because I don't like them doesn't mean he shouldn't be allowed to be friends with them, if he wants. I roll over to look at Parker, but his back is turned to me. I close my eyes and force myself to relax and go to sleep. 

The next morning, I'm the first one in the fighting ring and I'm up against Will. I dodge a punch he throws and return one to his ribs. He kicks out, but I spin behind him and shove him onto his knees. I kick him in the side before he jumps back to his feet. He aims an uppercut at my jaw and I stumble back, blinking stars out of my vision. Before I can fully recover, he punches me again in the stomach. I gasp for breath, trying to stay on my feet. I register his fist flying towards me again, but this time I manage to block it. I hit him in the face, then dodge his next attack. We continue back and forth for ages, punching and dodging and kicking and blocking. Finally, I land a good hit to his jaw and manage to knock him to the ground. I kick him in the ribs and stomach over and over until Three calls the match.

I feel slightly guilty for hurting Will so badly, but I know he would have done the same to me if our situations were reversed. It's just the Dauntless way, I guess.

I sit back and watch as Parker beats Dru, Polly beats Mia, and Chrissy beats Sal. Then, it's time for the match between Elise and Edwin.