Initiate [ERIC/JAI]

13

My fist taps the wooden door four times consecutively, announcing my presence to Eric inside. I'd asked Four directions to his apartment since last time I was here I was in no fit state to remember my way. A shaggy haired Eric opened the door to me. His face lit up the moment he set his tired eyes upon me, a smile forming upon his lips. He stepped aside, allowing me inside. My feet carry me into his apartment, remembering the last time I'd been here. I heard the door close behind me, causing me to turn and face the man himself.

"It's been a day or two, thought I'd stop by and see if you'd forgotten about me." I smile at him, his smile suddenly disappearing. He grabbed my hands and pulled me close to him, encasing me in a tight hug. After a minute or so he let go, pulling my face to his and attaching his lips into mine. His kiss was something I'd never felt before, the feeling of him close to me made my heart pound. As our lips detached I giggled. "I'll take that as a sorry Cassia, I've had a lot of work to do. I could never forget about you." He bit his lip, letting a small laugh out also. "I'll make us some breakfast." I announced, turning away from him. I was pulled back in a matter of seconds.

"You got a tattoo?" He inspected my wrist before looking back into my eyes. "A wolf?" He questioned.

"Yes a wolf! The tattooist laughed when I told him why." I paused, he raised his eyebrows at me. "I got it because it's a reminder. A reminder that I want to be just like a wolf, untraceable...brave.. fierce." He seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say. No eye roll, but complete focus. "One day, I want to leave a mark on this city that people will never forget. I want to be something and inspire others. I don't want everyday to be the boring same old." Eric raised his palm to cup my cheek. He's so warm..

"You know, Jeanine's got nothing on you. You're inspiring, Cassia. I can't wait for the day when people live by the name Cassia Hollester." I scoffed, giggling afterwards. His expression turned to confusion.

"Cassia Hollester, the name people would live by seems so unattractive." Eric's jaw drops at my remark. I chuckle. "What?" He shakes his head at me.

"You, my darling, have an amazing name." He paused. "Although, Cassia Coulter seems like too much right? CC!" He bites down on his lip, causing me to blush.

"I don't deny that it's an amazing name. Every person in Candor wanted that name. I don't deny what my name means or what my parents have done, they both worked hard to make something of the Hollesters." I pause. "I just wish the name came without the memories." I turn away from Eric, making my way to his kitchen. He followed closely behind. "However memories are a part of who we are. If we didn't have our memories we'd have nothing." He looked at me intently, his eyes searching my face for something.

"You really have a way with words." He blunts out, causing me to laugh rather loudly. He walks behind me, grabbing me by the waist and placing his head onto my shoulder. "I can't wait to make even more memories with you. Then you'll be proud of your name." He whispers in my ear, a chill cascading down my spine. I turn to face him.

"I am proud, Eric. I'm proud to be Cassia Hollester. After my brother left for Amity, I felt completely and utterly lost, I had nothing. Sam did nothing to help me, it was up to myself. I was scared that if I left my father, he would kill me. Look at me now, I moved to Dauntless of all places, I'm dating the strictest lead there is.." I paused as he furrowed his eyebrows at me.

"Dating?" He questioned, he sounded dissatisfied. "We haven't really established that yet." The words hurt.

Completely in shock, I brushed the comment off and turned for the door, quickly being pulled back by Eric's hand. "Cassia, don't be offended. I'm just not one to rush." I understood his standpoint, yet his reaction to the statement seemed too cold.

"I can understand you not wanting to rush and I said it without thinking. However, standing in front of you and seeing the disgusted look on your face is enough to tell me what I need to know. Eric, I like you a lot, but if you're not willing to put your ego aside- I can't be with you." I pulled my arm away from him, walking to the door and exiting his apartment.

What the hell was I thinking?

*

I tried to process what I had just experienced, pacing back and forth the sleeping quarters. I was completely immersed in my thoughts, I hadn't realised Apollo entered the room until he tapped me on the shoulder. His cheeks were wet with tears and his eyes seemed tired. He broke down in front of me, collapsing to the floor in a heap. Was it Jessica? I kneel down beside him, resting my hand on his back, comforting him.

"Apollo, what's wrong?" The look in his eyes was true sorrow. He looked as though all of his family had died in front of him. He shook his head in response. "I can't help you if you don't let me in, Apollo." I pull him into a tight embrace, him continuing to cry into my shoulder. He took a minute to calm himself down.

"Cassia.." He whispered, almost breathless. "You need to leave. You need to run and never look back." My eyebrows furrow to the centre of my forehead. I was confused by his words. "I know you're divergent." He spoke this is a lighter whisper. I was taken aback by his words, yet I kept a straight face. "They know about me Cassia, it won't be long until they find out about you." He paused. "I accept my fate, I should've never come here in the first place. I can't let you die as well." His eyes were now filled with pain, every word he spoke he seemed even more upset. His hands clasped on to mine as I rose from the floor, him rising with me. I didn't know what to do, or even what to say. A tear escaped my eye, rolling down my cheek until I wiped it away.

"The tests are coming up soon Apollo, get as much rest as you can, that's all I can suggest." I broke from his grasp, turning my back on him. I had no choice. I walked out of the sleeping quarters, the tears streaming down my cheeks until I'd turned a corner in the corridor, collapsing onto the concrete beneath me. I pulled my knees to my chest, curling into a ball. What do I do? Four already knew about me, he could have lied to me about being divergent. Eric has probably known since Four found out. I didn't have time to think, a hand was already on my shoulder, I knew who it was before I opened my eyes. Looking at them confirmed my judgement.

Four.