Split Apart

Chapter 1.5

THE CHOOSING CEREMONY does not produce any Abnegation transfers to Dauntless, to my relief. Perhaps it will be years before another Abnegation chooses fiery coals over smooth stones. Until then the balance the faction representatives so desire will remain intact.
As we run to the trains, I spot Four's tall frame within the cluster of Dauntless and initiates. Last year I'd watched him for so long that I'd almost missed the train. I divert my gaze from him now and wait for the trains. I feel the familiar rumble beneath my feet, a rumble that makes me anxious. I'll have to jump before the initiates and make my way to the net so I can be the one to help them down.
As the train comes into view, we start to run. When I look back I notice the confused expressions of the transfers, but the Dauntless born seem to understand. They run with us, smiling. If only they knew how many would be initiated into Dauntless. As the train passes us, I make a grab for a handle. When I'm up, I press the button that opens the door and jump inside. I begin to pull others in.
The fourth person I grab a hold of is Four. I almost drop his hand when he meets my gaze. I steady myself and keep hold as he grabs the handle with his other hand and pulls himself up. He takes my position at the door and I am grateful. I make my way through the carts until I see other Dauntless, not wary initiates. Four finds us later.
"I've counted fourteen transfers and sixteen Dauntless born," he says, leaning beside the open train door. The wind brushes his black hair back. Unbidden, I remember running my hands through those soft locks. When Four looks at me then with his thoughtful blue eyes, I turn away.
Perhaps I should have argued with Eric about this assignment. I know, deep down, that my protests will only incite questions, questions about my relationship with Four that I am still not prepared to answer. It is my own fault for being naive enough to think I could survive him.
As buildings rise to meet us, I look for the one that will be the closest to the train, giving me a lower chance of dying. When the closest building is upon us, I make my leap, not looking back at the boy who watches me.

***

The first jumper is Dauntless born. The second is as well. The third is Candor. She reminds me of Christina. The rest are a blur of grabbed limbs and shaky breaths.
Except when he hits the net. I reach for him, thinking he is another initiate. But when his hands find mine, I recognize the warm muscle pull taut like a bowstring. He is shaking and breathing heavily. I remember his fear of heights and curse him for not switching places with me. I take my time pulling him down, hoping that he'll recover quickly. Fortunately, he does. With a breath, he approaches the initiates, as if his fear doesn't exist.