Conform - Peter Hayes

Chapter 2

I decided to take the bus home. I've only ridden the bus home a few times, and I already wished I was in my mom's car. I sat down and allowed myself to think. I had two choices.

I could do what my mom wants and join Erudite, I could strive on pleasing her and making her proud of me. I could also do something new and join Dauntless, reunite with my brother, and try something new. If I joined Erudite, I would most likely become as powerful as my mom, would be well known, and would eventually run the faction. If I joined Dauntless, I would get an exciting and exhilarating new beginning, meet my brother again, build a new reputation, and just enjoy the laid back carefree life.

Honestly, both seemed great to me. As a little girl I was always fascinated by my mom and her job. I remember wanting to be her and I even went as far to try and act like her, mimicking almost everything she did. She would always laugh and say, ''someday'' to me. Now that someday is here though, and I'm not so sure if that's what I want.

I bit my lip, standing up and getting off of the bus. I slowly walked towards the large stone buildings that the Erudite lived in. I decided that I wouldn't give up any information that Mom didn't ask for. I just hope she will see my test score and mention it as she told me she got to see everyone's scores.

It was slightly chilly out, making me wish I had worn my blue sweater, probably my favorite of all of my tops I owned. I loved that sweater like it was a person, it was so warm and fuzzy, and the best part was how the sweater was also the perfect length, keeping me warm all day long. My mom thought I had an unhealthy obsession with that sweater, but she eventually got over it.

I wrapped my slender arms around my body as an attempt of keeping my body heat close as I walked towards the stone steps that lead to the house. The second I opened the door, the warm air from inside greeted me and I removed my arms, closing the door behind me.

As I was home early, I thought it would be a good idea to start my daily chores before Mom got home. I always like to keep on top of all of my work, whether it is for school or at home. I cannot stand disorganization. I started up the stairs towards my room, thinking about how my aptitude test went for what seems like the hundredth time since I found out.

Walking into my room, I gasped at how messy I had left it this morning. I guess I was really nervous about aptitude testing. I bit my lip, slowly placing my hair products back where they belong on my vanity, along with my makeup. I only use minimal makeup, Mom says that eyeliner is for the Dauntless. She only allows me to put on baby blue eyeshadow and mascara. I've got different shades of blue and I have gotten really good at blending.

After I finished cleaning my vanity, I moved towards my bed, pulling the sheets back up to the top of the bed. From there I placed the assortment of blue pillows I owned back onto my bed neatly. Looking around the bland room, I noticed how the closet was a mess from trying to find something to wear today. I cringed at the sight, quickly walking over and reorganizing it back to what it was the night before.

I allowed myself to fall back onto my bed, eyes shut. I honestly hate the stress and pressure being put on me. I can already picture the gasps as I placed my hand over the Dauntless bowl, allowing the dark red blood to ricochet onto the burning coals. I can also visualize placing my hand over the Erudite bowl, the blood plopping into the already red water as my mother smirks, clapping along with the rest of Erudite. The thought of both scenarios made me shiver, and I stood up, ready to start on dinner.

The fridge was nearly empty, but there was enough meat left to cook two hamburgers. I grabbed the raw meat from the middle shelf and molded it into round-shaped patties to place on the skillet, which was already on the previously heated stove. From there, I cooked it along with getting out an extra pot for vegetables.