CONVERGENT - [Divergent] ADOPTED

Chapter Four

[ELIZABETH]

They let us go once everyone had taken their tests, and still no Gertrude.

I was nervous and fidgeting the whole way home. A Candor girl who was sitting next to me spoke up.

"What's wrong with you, stiff?" I looked up, besides from she said it in a way that was meant to bring offense, her eyes said that she was truly curious as to what had me this way.

"My friend, she didn't return from her test, I'm worried about her."

"Wow, you actually spoke." Her eyes widened. "And I get it. Though, I didn't know you stiffs had friends," she noted, a frown between her eyebrows.

"Generally, we don't. It's seen as a selfish desire to have someone we can talk to about anything. But Gertrude and I...we don't exactly follow the rules."

"I can see." She smirked. "Are you transferring then?"

I sighed. "Well, yes, but a part of me doesn't want to leave. The rest of me is jumping at the chance for adventure and a whole new world to experience. Are you?"

"Me? I'm Candor through and through, but I haven't decided yet." She smiled.

"I'm Elizabeth." I held out my hand.

"Kori." She took it, shaking my hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine."

"So where are you transferring to?"

"Dauntless." I felt my smile widened with excitement.

Her eyebrows raised. "Really?"

"Yep."

"Wow, that's a drastic change."

"I guess that's how I can, though—I'm brave enough to take that step. To embrace who I am, even though I'm scared I won't be able to fit in."

"Good for you. I'm happy for you, really."

"Thanks, although, is it selfish of me to hope that Gertrude got Dauntless too?"

"No, it's not, it's completely normal to want your best friend there with you."

"Thank you." I smiled. "I feel like I have another friend, now."

She smiled. "Thank you, for thinking that highly of me."

"I can't help it, you've been kind to me, you got to know me when other people would've just seen the grey and someone that'll help them and ask nothing in return. It's a nice change."

"I like the fact that you're honest with me, not just 'cause I'm Candor, but you feel like you can admit your faults."

"I am afraid, but I'm still going to smash this."

Kori laughed. "Good luck with Dauntless, this is my stop. Bye, Elizabeth."

"Thanks, Kori. I hope to see you in the future."

"You too," she called over her shoulder, exiting the bus.

It was another fifteen or so minutes before the bus finally stopped at the Abnegation sector of the city.

As I exited, I said a quick "thank you" to the factionless driver.

I made my way to Gertrude's house. I knocked on the door, and her mother, Mrs Huma, answered.

"Good afternoon, Elizabeth. Gertrude's in her room."

"Afternoon, Mrs Huma, thank you." I smiled politely in return.