A Different Divergent: A Better Tomorrow

~twenty-three~

Chapter 23

After leaving the daycare center, knowing I'm late, I hurry across the Pit floor to the double doors that lead to the net, which are now propped wide open for easy access. I see a couple with bright blue and unnaturally black hair, respectively, walking several yards in front of me. I pass them without a word when we're about halfway to the net. When the dark, dank tunnel opens into the cavernous room, I'm surprised to see so many Dauntless members gathered around to watch the initiates who don't seem to be here yet, at least I haven't heard any screams. I don't remember there being this many onlookers last year.

I see Zander and Stella huddled close together near the platform, worry etched into their features. I wave to them without receiving a response as I climb the stairs to where Tobias, Christina, and Uriah are standing. My eyes meet my husband's when I reach the top of the stairs. The look on his face tells me that he's remembering what we did right here last night, and I blush scarlet. It's a good thing Zeke's not around.

"There you are," Christina says, drawing my attention away from Tobias. "Do you by chance have some texts from Will? We can't figure out where they are. I left my phone at home and, if can you believe it, Four and Uriah's phones are both dead." That surprises me.

"I totally forgot," I say, digging my phone out of my pocket. "It buzzed a few times while I was nursing Tessa then I had to take care of something so I forgot to check it." I know I have to tell Tobias about the situation with Tyler and Bobby Ridinger but it will have to wait until later. I'd like to tell him now but according to my latest text from Will the initiates should be arriving any minute. "They're on their way as we speak. The Choosing Ceremony ran late."

"Heard anything about a certain Dauntless-born?" Tobias asks. I shake my head as I scroll through the multiple updates Will provided.

"There's nothing about Avery. It does look like some factionless 16-year-olds took place in the ceremony, however. We got two as did Candor and Erudite. Holy shit!" I exclaim, attracting the attention of numerous Dauntless members gathered in front of the platform. "Sorry."

"What is it?" Tobias asks, his brows furrowed with concern.

"Murphy and Galen chose different factions," I say, reading off of one of Will's earlier texts. I hear Christina gasp beside me. This is surprising news. They couldn't keep their hands off each other Saturday night. "Murphy's inconsolable and being quite disruptive. Will and Tori had to remind her not once but twice what faction she's representing now that she's officially chosen Dauntless. Apparently, Galen chose Candor with Rhys after Murphy chose Dauntless." I look up into Tobias' slightly amused face.

"Those two were practically having sex in front of a room full of strangers at the Candor or Dauntless party Saturday night," he says. "I thought they would chose together. Let me rephrase that. I was hoping they'd choose together."

"During a short break that night, Avery told me they've been dating for two years. I think everyone thought they would choose the same faction," I say. "Wow, I foresee trouble because of this." I look at Uriah and Christina and add with a chuckle, "You're going to have your hands full with her."

"We'll handle her, right Christy?" She narrows her eyes at Uriah and scowls. I have to bite my tongue to keep from laughing. "This is so much fun," he excitedly says. The three of us look at him like he may be in need of professional help. "You've got to admit it's better than being an initiate. I thought I was going to hurl from all the jumping last year and not because I was afraid, I was that nervous."

"I couldn't believe that they kept making us jump," Christina says. "I thought I was going to die before the net finally caught me."

"Yeah, we heard you," Tobias says with a chuckle. "I think everyone in the compound heard you." I chuckle at the remembrance of Christina screaming, loudly, throughout her entire fall.