Innocence Lost

Chapter 71

The next morning I didn't meet with Eric to train. Apparently he was going to be in Erudite all day, which was good for me since I really didn't want to see him. It would be good not seeing him for a few days. The girls wanted to go for a run so I decided to go with them, something I missed and haven't done in a long time. I was also looking forward to our girls night tomorrow tonight.

"You guys ready to go?" Caroline asks, lacing up her boots.

After pulling my blonde hair into a ponytail, I zip my jacket with a nod. Amanda gives a faint yawn. She kept complaining about how exhausted she was. She said she was out late with some guy. I just roll my eyes at her and wish Tyler was around to witness her behavior.

When we get to the train tracks we see Lauren and Cherry waiting for the train as well. I start to get slightly nervous when I see them. Cherry and I haven't really spoken since she called me out on being Divergent.

"Hey girls. Going for a run too? " Cherry asks.

"Hey! Yeah, we are" Caroline says as the ground begins to rumble.

"Mind if we tag along?" Cherry asks.

"We don't mind at all" Caroline says happily.

You don't mind. Thanks Caroline.

We all break into a sprint as the train weaves around the corner. Pulling ourselves in with ease, I brace myself on the entrance of the car. As the others make small talk, I gaze at the passing streets of Chicago. I've been looking forward to blow off some steam and clear my head. After rolling through the city, the Hub is soon in sight

"Want to just hit the ground running?" Lauren asks excitedly.

"Let's do it" Cherry agrees as we get ready to leap.

After leaping out near the Hub, we all break into a sprint. The early morning is bright, the sun reflecting off the tall buildings. A gentle breeze caresses the air of the city streets, scattered with people from every faction going to work or just strolling along.

I lean over and rest my hands on my knees to catch my breath. We've been running for a little over an hour and my muscles feel like jello. Cherry catches up, her long fiery red hair swinging in a ponytail behind her. She pants, placing her hands on her hips.

"You girls are getting pretty good at this" she states.

Lauren runs past us, clearly not out of breath. She's a beast that one, the female version of Eric.

"So how have you been?" Cherry asks me.

"I've been good. Working, you know"

"Yeah, I know what a pain in the ass Eric is. I cringe every time I hear him in the office"

I laugh at her comment.

"Did he tell you about the Gala?" She asks.

"Don't remind me. Unfortunately he's making me go and we are staying over"

"Really? Huh"

I look at her suspiciously "Are you going?"

"Yeah but I'm leaving right after"

What the actual fuck?

"Anyway, we need to talk" her tone lowers.

Oh great, here we go again.

"What about?" I play dumb.

She smirks at me. She obviously knows that I know what she's referring to.

"Meet me tonight at the tattoo parlor just before closing" she says right before running off.

Caroline and Amanda trot in behind me "Whew" Caroline pants as she checks her pulse.