Dauntless High

Chapter 4

When I reached my table, Christina, Uriah, Zeke, Shauna and Marlene were all whooping and clapping.

"That was awesome, Tris!" Marlene shouted.

"Welcome to Dauntless High! You just earned your place and respect." Said Zeke. The bell rings and signals the end of lunch. Tobias walks up to us and smiles at me.

"Well done Tris. That was Peter. Stay away from the him. He's never liked me and because of that amazing bit of sassiness you showed him back there, I doubt he likes you either." He says, his smile growing more and more.

He leads me to my last two lessons before I go home. Caleb seemed to have a boring day. I don't tell him about mine.

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The next day, I pull on a baggy autumn jumper with ripped jeans and ugg boots. I straighten my hair and put it into a ponytail. I add my normal makeup but add a light glossy lip balm. Done. After breakfast, my dad drops me and Caleb off at school.

When Tobias meets me in front of the main doors, I light up instantly and greet him.

"Hi!" I squeal.

"Hey, Tris. What's up? You seem happy." That voice though...

"Oh, it's nothing. I just... I just like the weather today! It's so nice..." I hope he falls for it. He looks up.

"It just stopped raining." He says, slowly.

"Oh... Yeah... I love the rain! Fresh air, you know? Mmmm," I breath in the air. I don't know why I'm acting so weird around him. It's not that I like him or anything. He's just... A friend. Yep. That's it. A friend.

"Right... Well, I'll show you round today too." He offers.

I'm about to say okay to him but then I realize what it is. It's him. Something about him makes me feel like I am about to fall. Or turn to liquid. Or burst into flames. I need to stop otherwise I might get too attached.

"It's fine. I can handle it. Seriously. I know my way. I'll see you at lunch?"

"Yeah..." He looks unsure but doesn't argue. I turn and walk away.

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Where is that damn classroom!? Ugh. I've searched the whole freaking school. I give up and decide to sit outside and miss a class. Maybe I should have accepted Tobias' help.

I pull out my phone and start to check my Instagram. New follower... 3 likes...

Black. All I see is black. Someone blindfolded me from behind. My first thought: PETER. I feel a wad of fabric being forced into my mouth and gag.

"Buy a better insult, shall I? Thanks for the advice, you slut, but I can afford that much." My heart beats faster. Panic. Panic. PANIC. No one can help me now.

Peter pulls me off the bench and drags me somewhere.

Pain. All I feel is pain. Punches, kicks, pinches, hits with something hard.

"That a better insult for ya?" He hisses. Doesn't anyone see? Where did he take me that no one has any sight of?

"You DARE say anything about this to ANYONE, you better start counting your last breaths. I will never, ever, be humiliated by anyone. Especially YOU." I hear his footsteps walking away. I groan with pain and pass out.