My life as Dauntless

Part 16

"Babe," Eric shook me awake slowly, "Guess what." he said.

My eyes flutter open, soar from yesterdays game of capture the flag. "Yeah?" I asked, my voice strained.

"You made the cut!" he smiled, "You passed the fear landscape. You were by far the best with a total of five minutes and twenty one seconds." he smiled and hugged me.

I winced and pulled away. "Oh. Im sorry." he frowned. "Its okay," I managed a smile," just a little soar." I sat up.

He nods slowly. "Come on. I have to break the news to the other initiates... then the final test will take place." he said.

I swallow a lump in my throat. "F-final test?" I started taking quicker breaths. "Ace. Its okay," he sat next to me and hugged me reassuringly, "All it is is a final test with most of your fears." he kissed my temple.

I nod slowly and get up off the bed. "You can dress into my clothes if you want." he said and gave me some clothes. "Thanks," I said, "Ill meet you in the pit." I ran my hand through my hair.

He nods and leaves.

I put on the rust red v-neck shirt, black jeans, socks and black boots before heading down to the dorms.

I look around and notice how empty it is. So many beds are folded neatly; thats how you know someone left the Dauntless compound. Nobody does their beds.

I go to my bed and get a black cardigan from underneath my pillow and walk out.

I cant believe that other initiates are being cut. I wonder how many. Simon is going to leave, thats for sure. I said before heading out to the pit.

Initiates gather, all looking worried. I push my way to the front of the crowd and look up at Four and Eric.

The only people that know about my Divergence is Matt and Four. If Matt ratted me out... Id get killed. I know Jeanine would have a special interest in me since I was an Erudite.

"The following people I call will he staying. The initiates I don't call will leave." Eric looked at the board.

"Ace," he smiled down at me, "with a time of five minutes and twenty one seconds." he said before everyone erupts in a cheer.

I look at Four and he crosses his arms. I look at the floor and push my way to the back of the crowd. Eric announces that Griffin, Josh, Dustin, and Mason came in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th place- behind me.

I walk up the stairs and onto the roof. I wipe my eyes, trying to hold back tears and walk over to the edge of the roof.

I sit down and swing my legs over the edge and look out to the fence.

"Ace!" said a voice behind me. I turn and see Eric, "Whats wring? You got first place. Thats good right?" he said walking to me.

"Yeah," my voice cracked, "but I don't deserve to be in first." I blinked away tears but they spill.

"What do you mean?" he asked sitting next to me, taking my hand in his.

I look at him, tears falling down my cheek before they plummet to the cement on the sidewalk. "Has Four told you anything? Or Matt?" I swallowed. He shakes his head, "No why?" he asked, concern filling his voice.

Tell him goddamn it!

I open my mouth to speak but he cuts me off. "Look," he held both my hands, "I know how you feel. Scared... I was too... but I didn't have anyone to talk to and Im not gonna let you make the same mistake as me." he stood the both of us up.