divergent fan fic

pt. 3 - the train

The wind blew down my neck and sent chills up my spine. The trembles of the train nearing rumbled up through me starting at my feet and running up through my legs. I couldn't think straight at all anymore. So why not admit it? The test was becoming closer every second and there was no way of getting out of it. I pulled the dictionary out of my pocket. I began flipping through the pages looking for a good word to describe my feelings. I was feeling vague in who I was and like I didn't quite know where my particular life was headed. My whole path could be set in motion depending on this one test.

I decided on 'precarious', adj.

1) not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.

2) dependent on uncertain premises.

comes from the latin root precarius meaning obtained by entreaty, uncertain.

I tucked the book back away when Bella's beanie caught my eye. She had been turning it over in her hands, like she was studying the soft fabric. As soon as the train is in clear view, Bella and I prepare to start our sprint. This tactic was no problem once u figured out the approximate distance of your jump, the angle of your leap, where you were to land, and also making sure that if you were carrying something to tuck it somewhere or not mess up your footing; the placement of your feet was key to jumping on a moving train. Again, after assembling the fluent mechanics, this was really no problem. But if that's so, why am I thinking so much about this?

The train pushed past us and the kids towards the front of the pack broke into their run. Once Bella and I had located our usual car, we too join feet patting against the wooden boards beneath us and soon enough we were in pace with the open door.

Springing off my right foot, my left hand flies up to grab the metal handle just as my left foot finds its place on the ledge jutting out from near the underside of the car. With my balance totally under control, I forcefully draw my right foot up and around the side of the door. I let the momentum carry me through the open gap in the train, preparing my right hand to brace my body's force against the wall. I'll never forget the thrill of flying into these trains, and to me there will never be another way to travel.

Once I'm safely inside, I calmly walk over to Bella who's once again examining her hands. I take a seat next to her as I look outside to watch our world fly past us. After a few seconds, I look down at my hands as well. Nothing too spectacular, just dirty and cold but again, that's not unusual. I stretch my arm out across Bella's lap to take hold of her hand. Strong and sturdy. I turn my gaze towards the car's wall directly across from where we're sitting. I feel Bella shift her weight but she continues to hold my hand. We don't move again as the train races its way towards our school.