DAUNTLESS (Divergent sequil, no war)

chapter 17

I pull myself onto the train with such ease now, it's just natural. My feet pound along the roof, I stick out my arm and grab the handle, flex my arm and pull myself into the carriage. More people pile in around me, most of them are 16 years of age, about one year younger than me, some of them less so, today is there day. Some of them send me sideways glances, others whisper to each other. They know who I am, they know why I'm here. I turn around to see Eric standing behind me. This is the last thing I need, he places an arm on my shoulder.

"You may want to cover that up." He says, too close to my ear. All of the tolerance I had built up of him has vanished, he is as repulsive and threatening now as the first time I saw him however he does have a point. I shift the baggy top across so it sits low over my shoulder with the dauntless symbol but covers the abnegation one on the opposite side.

"Thanks." I snap not looking at him.

"Look," I can hear the smirk in his voice without having to look at him, "I hope I haven't caused you any issues with your boyfriend, I was just playing the game..." I spin on my heals to look him in the eye.

"Last night never happened. I do not remember what happened and you would be wise to forget it."

"Calm down Tris, it was just a kiss... with a bit of toung." I resist the urge to slap him. It takes all the will I have in the world but I manage it.

"Just don't talk to me." I turn back around and make my way through the carriage. People part like the red sea to let me through. They have done since my name was leaked on the list of "Divergents in Power".

"Mature." He says but I don't respond. I can't respond or he wins.

I jump off a little earlier than everyone else. I want to run. I want the wind to blow away the mistakes of last night. I want to feel my lungs burn. I want to feel alive.

Soon I find myself joined by others as we run toward the Candoor headquarters. It's there year to host the choosing ceremony. We are ushered in to a large room with black and white tiled floors. I take a spot at the back of the Dauntless seats and stand on my own until Tobias comes to stand next to me.

"You're being too Abnegation," he whispers.

"How?" I draw in my eyebrows and take a good look at him, he looks tired, really tired.

"Letting everyone else sit down and standing so they can. Abnegation."

"I'm not doing it for them, I want to stand." I say, sounding a little too defensive.

"Well that's too bad." He takes my arm and leads me to a seat then sits next to me. "With this whole Divergent thing going round we need to be careful. We must show that we belong." I know he is right. I dig my elbows into my lap then place my chin in my hands, my fingers wrap around my face.

"Look," I say, trying to sound calm, "I know now is not the time or the place to talk about it..."

"Then don't." his words are cold and sharp.

"I... I just wanted to say sorry."

We sit in silence for some time. A boy sits to my left, he fidgets with his hands, feeling uncomfortable, I lean back in my chair. He looks young for being sixteen, not like I can really talk, but he looks really young. I hate to think it but he doesn't look Dauntless.

I notice Tobias looking at me and shift myself in my seat feeling uncomfortable. This isn't right. This isn't us.

"I like your hair," he reaches up as if to touch it but let's his hand drop.

"Thanks, I thought it would be a bit more... intimidating," I shrug. "I need them to take me seriously." I offer him a small smile and thankfully get one in return.