The Fear She Couldn't Face

Chapter 9

Today was the last day of training, when the initiates would see their ranking and therefore choose a job in the order of their ranking.

I joined Eric in the Pit where he was writing down the rankings one through seven.

1. Tris

2. Uriah

3. Lynn

4. Marlene

5. Peter

6. Will

7. Christina

“The Stiff is still first? How is that even possible?” I ask, laughing in disbelief. “I was sure her rank would go down some after the fear landscape.”

“She’s impressive. Too impressive if you ask me. Nobody has ever finished their fear landscape that fast before.” Eric says, hanging the board on a hook above him.

“Think she might be Divergent?” I ponder, looking up at the chalkboard.

He crosses his arms over his chest. “Possibly,” He says, tapping his fingers on his arm. “So what’s with you and Four? You’ve seemed to get really close, really fast. What’s with that?”

“Lay off Eric, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were jealous.”

“Why the heck would I be jealous of you and your little Stiff boyfriend? You could both jump off a cliff for all I care.” He says, turning on his heel, and walking out, leaving me standing there bewildered as to what had gotten into him today.

Later that day, during lunch, I notice a lot of people in blue walking in. Erudite. Jeanine Matthews in the middle of them. What were they doing here?

The curious person I am, I follow behind them, but at a safe distance.

They are heading towards Headquarters. So they must want to talk to Max, Eric and the rest of the Dauntless government officials.

As they go into the main room, several guards stand outside. And when the brunette looks up, our eyes meet. Seth. What in the world is he doing here? And why is he one of Jeanine’s guards?

He mouths something to the guard next to him and then starts walking towards me. I start backing away, and then turn away and run. To the only place I knew I would be safe.

I run to Tobias’ door and realize it’s locked. “Tobias! Let me in! It’s Ana! Please, let me in!” I scream, out of pure fear. Tobias finally opens the door, I then run in and hide behind him.

“Ana, what’s wrong?” He asks, turning around, taking my shaking hands in his.

I am too afraid to say a word, but I turn him around to face Seth. “Your ex-boyfriend? Why is he here?”

“I’m one of Jeanine Matthews’ bodyguards,” Seth speaks up. “I see you found a new love interest Annie.” He says, calling me by my old Erudite name.

“Seth, leave now.” Tobias says, standing tall over Seth who is only a mere five foot seven.

“You and what army are going to make me?” Seth says, taking his gun off safety.

“Seth, go. Now.” Tobias demands, his voice echoing off the walls.

“Why should I?” Seth scoffs. “I haven’t seen my girlfriend in a year. Shouldn’t she have some say in whether I leave or not?”

“You should’ve gotten the hint when she ran away from you, screaming for help.” Tobias says.

“It’s just a game, she does it all the time.” Seth smirks.