Prologue
Every week, my parents have meetings with other Abnegation council members. Whenever the members, such as Marcus Eaton, come over, I am either sent to my room or to help feed the factionless with Caleb. Last week was the same. Marcus knocked on the door, and I avoided his eyes when I bowed in greeting and murmured a "hello." Marcus did the same and walked to the usual room. After the last member joined the meeting, I left along with Caleb.
As I walked to the building that holds the food, I asked Caleb, "What do you think they are talking about in there this time?"
Caleb did what I expected. He looked at me disapprovingly and told me to, "Stop being too curious." The line to pick up food moved then, and we picked up our food to distribute it to the factionless without another word about our parents' meetings.
When I took a step into our home, my parents were still in their meeting. This was quite strange because they'd usually be finished by the time Caleb and I were done. I didn't think much about it and went straight to my room, wanting to avoid Caleb's disapproving talks. But today I learn why the meeting was prolonged.
Chapter One
After I return from my aptitude test, I find my parents waiting in the living room for me and probably Caleb. I expect them to tell me ahead about the meeting, so I would to go to my room, but they surprise me by telling me I'll be joining them. "There's something we need to ask you."
I raise an eyebrow, waiting for an answer. My mother gently shakes her head and says, "Not now. We'll explain it to you in the meeting."
I widen my eyes in surprise. "You want me in your meetings?!" If they were going to ask anyone to join one of their meetings, I thought they'd ask Caleb first.
My father's tired eyes grow serious. "Yes, I hope you agree to join." He's requesting for my attendance, but he's subtly demanding me to join."
I agree. "Yes, of course."
When Caleb returns, our parents tell him to go to my room. He looks at me curiously, but doesn't say or ask anything like any good Abnegation member. He truly belongs here unlike me. He'll most likely choose to stay here at the Choosing Ceremony.
As I walk into the room, my mother lets the other members in. In the center of the room, there's a big wooden table of the room surrounded by wooden chairs. Simple. I take a seat next to my father. Everybody else takes their seat.
My father clears his throat and begins. "Beatrice, the Erudite wants to hurt the Abnegation. We originally had an extremely important information, but Jeanine stole it from us. We need to get it back."
"What do you want me to do?" I ask.
My father gives me a pained expression but doesn't say anything. Marcus answers my question for him. "We need you to choose the Erudite faction and find a way to get the information."
"Why me? What makes you think I'll be able to pass the initiation there?"
"We know you are smart enough," Marcus answers. "Please, it's for the good of everyone."
I chew on the inside of cheek. If I choose to go there, I'll be making a huge sacrifice, a selfless decision.
"Okay."
