Dauntless Born

2. Hey Shortie

Chapter 2! Enjoy :)
(Tris' outfit above)
~•~

Tris

The stairs made tiny squeaking noises as I stepped up them, heading towards my bedroom.

Mom insisted that I wore my nicest clothes since it was Zeke's choosing ceremony today.

I scanned my closet, searching for the perfect outfit. After a moment, I settled on my black leather jacket—it was sleek, confident, and exactly the vibe I was going for. I paired it with my favorite black jeans and a simple tank top underneath. Satisfied with the look, I pulled my dark brown hair into a high ponytail, letting it fall neatly down my back. 

"You look lovely, Bea," my mom said with a warm smile as I walked down the stairs.

"Thanks, Mom," I replied, returning her smile as I wrapped my arms around her for a quick hug.

She's the only one who still calls me Bea, short for Beatrice. I never really liked my full name, so as I grew older, I started going by Tris. But for my mom, Bea has always been our little nickname—something special just between us.

She was standing at the stove, cooking scrambled eggs like she did most mornings. The familiar smell filled the kitchen, comforting in its routine. From the basement, I could hear the faint clanging of weights and the rhythmic sound of Uriah training, his steady movements echoing through the house.

"Where's Zeke?" I ask, glancing at my mom as she cooks.

"He's in the backyard," she replies. "And if you're going out with him, be back in about 10 minutes—breakfast will be ready."

"Okay, thanks, Mom."

I dart toward the door, feeling a rush of excitement. I already know who's out there. Since when does Zeke hang out in the backyard alone? It's a guarantee my friends are there too. I push the door open and head outside, eager to see them.

~•~

"Tris!" Marlene squeals, pulling me into a tight bear hug as soon as I step outside.

"Hey, Mar," I grin, hugging her back. "I've missed you."

Marlene isn't just my best friend—she's like family. We've grown up together, alongside my twin brother Uriah. We've been through everything together, and I honestly don't know what I'd do without her.

Lynn and Shauna are also two of my closest friends. We've always had each other's backs, no matter what. I'm absolutely convinced that Zeke and Shauna have liked each other for ages. It's been obvious since we were kids.

Then it hits me—today's Shauna's choosing day, too. She and Zeke are both two years older than the rest of us, so they'll be making their choices today.

"Hey, Shortie," Shauna teases, walking over with a playful smirk. She's called me that for as long as I can remember.

"I'm not that short!" I protest, trying to hold back my laughter.

"You are," she insists, grinning at me like she's won this argument a thousand times before.

I could say there's a chance Shauna might not choose Dauntless—she's smart enough to excel anywhere. But deep down, I know she'll stay. It's where her family is, and let's be real, it's where Zeke is. And that's more than enough to keep her here.

Shauna isn't just brilliant; she's fearless. She thrives on adrenaline and loves doing things that most people would call crazy, which makes her the perfect fit for Dauntless. No one could imagine her anywhere else.

"Kids, breakfast is ready!" Mom's voice cuts through our conversation from inside the house.

Without a second thought, we're off, boots thudding against the ground as we race each other inside.

~•~

What do you guys think? I love you guys and thank you for the support! Also, I just wanted to add to the fact that my chapters are quite short. I do this because I update often, and I don't see the point in making generally long chapters. It can bore readers sometimes in a way too.

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Xoxo, Hx7680