The Choosing - (Divergent Eric/OC)

Chapter 2 - Eliza and Eric Time Jumps

Eric Age 13, Eliza Age 9

On top of the roof of a abandoned five story building a garden is in full bloom. Eric and Eliza lay on their backs on the thick green grass, their sides pressed close together. They gaze into the night sky as the full moon shines on them and the stars twinkle above them. Every year on Eliza's birthday starting from the year they became friends, they have camped out under the sky. Lilian Matthews would pack up blankets and treats and the three would head off to the secret rooftop garden that Lilian had made for them. Every year she would fill the night telling them tales from before the war of what wonders were found around the world. Some tales were of fantasy and some were real, but sounded just as wonderful as the made up stories. She did not treat the children as such because she knew them to be the most intelligent children of all.

One of their favorite tales spurred serious conversations and debate, the story of how the world had begun to change humankind. Eliza was fascinated by the idea that humans had begun to try and better themselves by changing their very makeup. The thought of people changing themselves so they could be more in tune with their interests was both frightening and fascinating. Both children instantly made the connection between these tales and their present society. Eliza was considered a extraordinary child prodigy and Eric was at the top of his class as well. So when Lilian began to speak about some people wanting to be more in tune with nature so they changed to allow that, or others wanting to be smarter and able to solve any problem and changed accordingly.....it didn't take long to put two and two together.

Lilian was proud of the two, but both could tell that there was something she was leaving out. She was trying to prepare them for something, but they never got the chance to find out. Last year during the Winter solstice Lilian Matthews passed away. Eliza was crushed and left reeling. She became withdrawn and subdued and the only person that was able to bring her any measure of happiness was her Eric.

At Eric's insistence, they had made carried out the tradition that her mother once began.

"Eric," Eliza almost sighed his name.

Eric turned to his face to Eliza " Yes Starshine?" He used the nickname he and her mother had given her after their first campout. When Eliza's eyes seemed to twinkle and reflect the stars in her happiness.

She gave a little smile at the endearment and unconsciously entwined her fingers with his.

"Do you think we will do this even when you are a Dauntless? Do you think they will allow you to come see me, until I can be there too?" She said in a tremulous voice.

Eric's forehead furrowed and he turned over on his side laying close to her and taking her hand back in his. "Who says I will be going to Dauntless? I could be staying right here with you. Besides that is ages away and.....and...even if it does tell me I am Dauntless I don't think I could leave you." He finishes shyly.

Eliza scoots closer to him and closes her eyes and gives a little shake of her head. "No, you are going to be Dauntless. I know you feel it. Mother even said so, but that is ok because I am too."

"Well, you are crazy enough to be Dauntless Starshine. But, I can't imagine you not being Erudite! Your smarter than even some of the leaders combined."

She looked at him with sad eyes "I don't think I fit in her very much. Ever since Father married Jeanine, I am always being told that I am not being a good girl. Jeanine says....." her voice breaks and tears fall from her eyes.

Instinctively Eric gathers her in his arms and presses kisses to her forehead and hair. "Don't listen to a word that woman says! She is the worst person I have ever met!"

Eliza cries silently and clings to him "I miss Mother so much it hurts. He didn't even wait Eric.....Father didn't even wait a week and he married her. Why? Didn't he love Mother? I'm not allowed to talk about her either. He has changed so much and now Charlston too. I don't know what to do anymore."