Arranged in Abnegation

Chapter 1

I walk up the steps and onto the stage. Caleb left, I must be the child that stays, I can't leave. But you know you want to. No you don't! "Tomorrow when we choose, we have to think of the family, but we should also think of ourselves." How did I not know that he wouldn't leave after hearing this. I should have known he would choose Erudite, he had a great thirst for knowledge. Snap out of it Beatrice! I accept the knife from Marcus and I nod politly. I look up and see Tori, she mouths something to me, "Choose Wisely." I think she says. This choice will define me, there's no going back. I glide the knife across my palm, forming a small slit in my skin. I eye the Dauntless bowl, should I follow my dreams? I glance at the Erudite bowl, should I go after my brother? Or Abnegation, should I be the kid that stays? I look back at my parents. I put my hand over the burning coals, I inhale a shaky breath and slide my hand over the top of the gray stones. I drop my blood in it and get off the stage. I walk over to the Abnegation area and recieve a couple nods. My father and mother are smiling as if they're relieved. I look towards the Dauntless section and notice the life that I wanted, the life I left behind. I look over at the Erudite section, I notice my brother looking at me. I feel a tear run down my cheek with it's ghostly touch and I give him a weak smile. He smiles back and all too soon the ceremony is over and all the factions are gone... except for the Abnegation of course. We help clean up. I go to the front to wash the knives with my parents.

"I can't believe he joined Erudite!" My father says,

"Well, it was in his blood, you saw all the books in his room and his thirst for knowledge." My mother says,

"Mom's right, it was rather obvious." I say, and look down, ashamed for speaking out of turn.

"Beatrice it's fine. All I'm worried about is what the Erudite are going to write up next!" He says,

"They're still writing those?" I wonder a loud,

"Unfourtunately, yes. We'll finish this disscussion later, we must hurry out of here to catch the bus." My mom says.

My father and I nod in agreement and leave the building I may never see again. We walk up a few hills and through the Factionless Sector and to the bus stop. We wait for the bus in silence. I look around, noticing the beauty of the outdoors. We're not supposed to alow ourselves to think of beauty, it's considered self indulgent. We're also not suppose to care how we look. I guess that won't be a problem for me, I've always disliked the way I look anyways. I notice a lady dressed in black and white candor clothes in crutches coming on the bus. I have to re-think this, but get up and lead her to my seat. I stand near my parents seats and hold a railing. The bus comes to a stop and we walk out and head home. 

This is the last night I spend with my family as intiation starts tomorrow. It'll only last a week, but I'll have my own home from then on. My parents are cooking dinner and my tells me to call Mr. Eaton and Tobias Eaton to come for dinner tonight. I do as I am told and go upstairs to my parents room. This is the room that has the only phone in the household. It's considered selfish to have such a valuble item. I look through the contact book and dial "1" to dial Mr. Eaton's house.

"Marcus Eaton, how may I be at your service?" I hear at the other end of the line,

"Good evening Mr. Eaton, this is Beatrice Prior, Andrew and Natalie Prior's daughter. My parents were wondering if you could come over for dinner?" I reply,

"Why Beatrice that sounds lovely! My son is actually here to visit me, so I was wondering if he could tag along?" He questions,

"I was actually just about to ask if you could bring him. You may come at around 7:30. See you then." I say,

"Goodbye Beatrice. See you at 7:30." He answers.

I close the line and walk into my room. I put on my grey, Abnegation dress, which is used for special occasions. It would be to self attracting to wear in public. I put my hair up in the standard Abnegation bun and put on grey heels. I walks downstairs and walk in to the kitchen. 

"Good evening, Mr. Eaton and his son will be arriving at 7:30." I say,

"Thank you Beatrice, and you look lovely. I'll be up in a minute to add some makeup to your face, meanwhile can you please go set the table?" She asks.

I nod and grab the nesseccary items to set up the table. I head towards the table and begin to spray it down with lemon water. I take the was cloth and wipe across it to clean it off. I polish the cutlery and set it down. A plate, a bowl, a spoon, a fork, a knife, a glass and a napkin for each person. I tuck in the chairs to keep it neat and tidy.

I walk back into the kitchen and notice my mom drying her hands.

"Beatrice follow me." My mom says.

So I obbey and foolow her to my room. She sits me down and adds a little make up to my face. We're allowed small amounts for special occasions. She tells me to go downstairs and wait for the guests, so I do.