Danger is Near

Chapter 20

I carefully snuck into the dorm, trying to make as little noise as possible. It was eleven o'clock on the dot, so I had an hour of sleep before Four would come and wake us up. I thought it would be best if I tried to sleep, at least for a bit.

I was abruptly awoken by a harsh, bright light being shone in my face. Someone had turned all of the lights on in the dorm. For a moment I forgot where I was and what was happening. But then I remembered. We were going on a 'little excursion'.

I looked around, everyone looked shocked and surprised. Maybe they weren't told about this. Four began to speak, he was standing at the top of the staircase with a few of the Dauntless born.

"Everyone get ready. We're going on a 'field trip'. Meet at 'The Station' in fifteen" he remarked.

The Station was a place where train tracks ran through Dauntless territory. It was where supplies and 'what not' were dropped off and collected. It was also a good place to catch a train.

When the others saw me in the dorm they were extremely surprised. For it wasn't usual to come back that quickly from the Infirmary.

"Oh my gosh! Lize! What are you doing here?" Amy squealed. "I thought you had to stay over night?"

"Well, I did. But Four got me out so I could join in tonight" I explained to everyone that had crowded around me.

I put on my black jeans, boots and a t shirt, along with the Dauntless jacket. As I was tying my hair back Peter approached me. "I'm so sorry Lize. I never wanted to hurt you".

"Ohh, don't worry Peter! It's totally fine. Plus I feel heaps better!" I said with a cheerful smile on my face.

"Thanks Lize. I felt terrible. I ended up carrying you to the Infirmary" he continued.

"Aww, really?" I sighed gratefully.

"Yeah, of course!" he replied.

We stood in silence for a bit, not knowing what to say.

"Hey! Um, who else was taken to the Infirmary?" I queried.

"Well there was you, Tris, again. Jem and Will" he answered.

"Do you reckon Tris will be below the red line? Seeing as she hasn't won any fights..." I wandered aloud.

"Dunno. But we should probably start heading to the Station" he said while putting his hand on my back leading me to the door.

As we were walking out of the dorm I spotted Four walking towards us. He grabbed my arm, pulling me closer to him. "Listen. Tonight, if Eric finds you do not tell him I let you out. Just tell him a nurse did. Ok?" he whispered in my ear.

"Got it" I said as Peter and I continued to walk away.

We arrived at the Station. Only a few initiates had arrived, leaving the place full of Dauntless born. As we looked around while talking to each other I spotted Eric. I quickly flung myself behind Peter.

"Whoa, whoa! What's up?" Peter asked, surprised.

"Ok, but come over here.." I replied, dragging him over to a corner where we wouldn't be seen.

"You see. I'm not allowed to be here. Four let me out early so I wouldn't miss out on this. And apparently I will get in trouble if I am caught by Eric" I explained while keeping a close eye out for him.

"Oh c'mon Eliza, I'm sure you'll be fine. So what if he catches you. You know what? He'll probably think of you in a better way if that makes sense..." Peter commented.

"Yeah, no, sorry. It doesn't make any sense. Why would Eric 'like me more'?" I questioned.

"Ok, well. I guess in a way you are proving that you are willing to be Dauntless" he answered simply.

I stared at him. He was right. If anything Eric would probably be impressed. "You have a point" I pondered to Peter.

"Hell yeah I do!" he said.

We saw the others arrived and we walked over to them. I wasn't worried about being caught by Eric anymore. So, now, I could really enjoy this 'game'.

Soon enough we could hear the rumbling of a train steaming down the tracks. I heard some 'whoo's' and shouts. It was basically Dauntless culture to like jumping on and off trains.

Everyone began running forward to get onto the train. It seemed that this whole event was important and it also seemed it was important we didn't miss it.

As I leaped onto the ledge on the outside of the train door I grabbed the handle. Then out of nowhere someone's hand reached out to mine, offering to help me aboard. I grabbed it. And as I 'dusted' myself off once I was on board, I looked to see who the owner of the mysterious hand was.

It was Julian! "Oh my gosh, hey Julian!" I squealed.

"Hey Eliza!" he squealed back, jokingly. "We really need to stop meeting like this" he joked again.

I laughed at his comment. As we were standing there talking I noticed Amy, Emma, Matisse, Tess and Christina and waved them over. I wanted them to meet Julian. He was a great guy.

"Hey guys, this is my friend Julian. We met last week on the train ride in" I said cheerfully.

He looked at them and said 'hey' while giving a little wave. The girls said 'hey' back and we all continued to chat.

As we were chatting I saw Eric walking over. And he looked furious. All of a sudden my heart started beating ten times faster. I knew I had already discussed with Peter why I shouldn't worry, but still, just Eric's presence alone could freak me out.

He came right up to where we were standing and madly peered at me. "Who let you out?" he suddenly questioned. Quite calmly to be exact. It seemed as if he knew he would 'win' whatever argument was about to erupt.

"One of the nurses did" I replied innocently. Peering up at him, hoping he would just drop it and leave.

"Name of the nurse?" he questioned wonderingly.

"I don't remember" I then replied quickly.

He looked around at everyone else smugly. They were all silent. Then he looked back at me. "Ok..." he said as he ambled away, glaring at me for as long as he could.

It was silent for a little bit longer before Julian spoke up.

"Wow! I don't know how you can be so poised while around that mutant" he praised.

"Haha... Yeah, me neither" I awkwardly replied. I was still a little stunned from Eric's 'presence'.

Julian could tell. "Listen don't worry bout' him. Just let go and have fun tonight" he said while giving me a warm smile.

I had to admit...

It helped.