Haunt

Ch. 27- Lesson learned?

Lianna's POV

"I need to speak with all of you."

My family looks at me from the living room and I wait for a response. Nobody says anything for sometime and the air becomes unsettling.

Finally, mom speaks up. "What is it, dear?"

I clasp my hands together and breath heavily. Eric is right about what he said. I have the freedom to go.

There's no where else to turn my eyes but to my father's. He is the one that will give me approval even though I no longer need it.

"I want to move out."

Silence.

Long, unending silence fills the room. Kayla sits wide-eyed in aw. Mom grips dad's hand just a little tighter. Dad's lips form into a tight line and he turns away from my gaze. If I didn't know him, I would say that he is angry but I do know him. He's thinking things over, analyzing the situation.

"And what has made you decide this?" His tone is clipped.

He now looks at me again, challenging manner. 

I know what he is thinking. That I have been influenced badly by the Dauntless, especially Eric. But is it bad influence? I would someday have left anyways, right? I would never have stayed here forever.

"I'm 18 now and it's time that I begin my own life."

Now that the thought has been placed in my mind, it all seems so simple. I feel naive to not thought of it before. My parents would have to understand.

Mom jumps in, trying to defuse the impending tension.

"It's so sudden, darling."

"It's the right thing to do, mom."

Dad stands in the utmost rage. His fists clenched together.

"Who says that it is the right thing to do, Lianna?! Is it that damn Dauntless leader?!"

Never have I heard my father curse before and it sends me into a frenzy of panic. I shuffle my feet back until I'm no longer standing in the living room. Tears well up in my eyes but there is still an independence in me fighting to come out.

"I am a grown woman! I don't have to stay here anymore!"

My mother grabs hold of my father's arm, pulling him back before he comes any closer to me.

"John, she's right."

Not another word passes over my father's lips. His face hardens over with suppressed anger. I was a little girl to him, now I'm just a stranger. He no longer can recognize me.

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The moving out process was more simple than I had expected. Amity is always building new places for families to live and reside. A house seemed like too much for me now, though. I wanted something small and quaint that wouldn't require too much up keep.

My things were quickly moved to a place known as the Commons. It is used for young adults who have decided for living on their own. Some older single people lived there, also but mainly it  was a place for the youth to be able to spread their wings and not feel so bounded by their families.

When Ebony heard the news that I was moving  out, she quickly told her parents that she needed to come  with me. Her parents were more open minded to the fact and didn't hesitate when she asked.

After all, it's not as if we would be leaving Amity.

A couple hours later, and I am surrounded by a new set of four walls. It is bigger than my old room at home but not as homey. Mom stands in the doorway, holding back tears. It is no surprise that Dad did not want to come with us. He even seemed reluctant on telling me goodbye.

"You know we are always here for you, darling."

She dabs her face with the back of her hand. I walk to her and put my arms around her. She embraces me and I too want to cry. Even though, I won't  be far away, emotionally I feel thousands of miles away from who I used to be.

"We are just down the pathway if you ever need anything."

"It's not like you won't see me." This all seems a bit dramatic but then my mother has always been a bit extreme. It must be the Erudite in her.

"I want you to know something." She says, pulling back so that she can look at my face.

"I don't want you to ever feel ashamed about what happened  with that boy. Life always has a way of teaching us lessons and I believe that he was a lesson learned. I'm proud of you, sweetheart. We are proud of you."

Lesson learned?

If she only knew that the lesson was just beginning...

**********************************************************

The open window to my bedroom  sends in a cool breeze. I lay on the covers and stare at the ceiling. There is a since of relief in being alone. I don't feel constrained anymore. There are no judging eyes that haunt me in my sleep.

But there is a sadness. I've never been alone before. I always had the reassurance that someone was just in the next room if I ever needed anything. They aren't far away, though and I need to remember that.

My mind turns its attention to something else. Something that someone said.

"I'll come find you."

I wonder if he will keep to that. But how would he know that I've already left? It is Eric, though. He seems to be capable of getting all the necessary information.

Sleep invades the small space and I find myself drifting off into a dream like state but before I go under completely, there comes a low knock on the door.

It couldn't be...

I make my way out of bed and stand in front of the mirror, checking to see if I am still somewhat presentable.

Quickly, I open up the door. Instead of the Dauntless leader I was hoping for, Ebony stands in front of me, with sheer panic on her face.

She almost says  it too fast but her words strike clear.

"Eric's been shot."

Apologies again for not having Eric in this chapter. I promise there will be a whole chapter dedicated to just him and Lianna very soon. Sorry for the delayed update. I will try to do better. Comment and vote!