A Hard Life

A Hard Life: Ch. 18

When we're finished, we walk towards The Pit to meet Elizabeth. We were all talking about training and how we showed our opponents who's boss when suddenly someone runs up behind me and hugs me.

"Oh my god! Mackenzie! I finally found you!" My eyes widen with realization. What's she doing here?!

I turn around to face Meredith, my little, idiotic sister. "Meredith, shhhh! That's not my name."

"What do you mean it's not your name?! It's the name mom and dad gave you!" she looked me right in the eye as she said that.

"Uh, Kenzie? Who is this?" Natalie asks, making a confused face and pointing at my sister.

I ignore her and say, "My name is Kenzie now. I've left behind my old life. Now, what the heck are you doing here? You'll get caught!"

"I'm getting you out of here!"

"What?"

"Mom misses you desperately! She's gone into a state of depression ever since you left, she won't talk to me!" She looks at me with pleading eyes, "Please come back with me, please!"

I look away and push Meredith off of me. "I'm sorry, but no. You must leave before you get into trouble."

I turn away and walk quickly to The Pit with Jasmin and Natalie trailing behind me.

"Now will you answer my question?"

"That was my sister..." Tears start to form in my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. We eventually reach Elizabeth.

"There you guys are! Finally! Are you ready-" she cuts off when she looks at me. "Kenzie? You alright?"

I guess some tears fell after all. "Yeah I'm fine. Let's go already, please?"

They nod in understanding and we leave the The Pit with the other Dauntless born initiates. Meredith better get home before curfew.