Author's Note

Hi, everybody who's reading this! I hope you all like it. Here's the first chapter; I don't have a writing schedule; I update when I can, which is usually about once a week.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the "Divergent" books; Veronica Roth does.

Wearing His Jersey

Chapter One

Beatrice P.O.V.

"But Dad, I really want to," I argued.

"Beatrice, it is not safe. You could get a concussion, or break your arm, or . . . anything, really!" he said.

"I'll be careful, I promise. Please? I really want to be on the team." I'm a sophomore at Chicago High School, and it's that time of year again - football tryouts. I want to be on the team. I've never been on the football team before, but I have always been interested in it. I rarely miss watching a game on T.V. and I don't usually miss the school games, ever since I've been at Chicago High. I love watching the team, and I want more than anything to be on it. But first I have to convince my dad.

"Beatrice," he sighed. "I just don't know. It is not safe. There is no real reason to be on the team, either. I do not understand why you want this so much."

"Dad, have you noticed that I go to almost every one of their games? That I leave the house early to get a good seat so that I can watch the team, watch all their plays, and the way they work together. I love that. There is never one guy out there who has all the cheerleaders chanting his name, one guy who is the main player. They work as a team. There's a quarterback, but he is no more of a part of the team than anyone else out there. There's a linebacker: no more important than any of the other players. They all know that without each other, they are not a football team." I looked my father in the eye. "I want to be a part of that."

"I-I guess I'll let you. I'll talk to your mother about it; you need her permission."

"Yes!" I pumped my fist in the air and grinned.

"But, Beatrice, if you do make the team, and I see your games and think it is too rough for you, I will pull you out. Do we have a compromise?" I considered it.

There's no other way you'll get their permission, I thought to myself.

"It's a deal."

Later that night, when I heard my mom's car pull into the driveway of our house, I jumped from my bed where I was reading "Paper Towns" by John Green and rushed down the steps.

"Beatrice, slow down before you fall," I heard from behind me. I turned. Caleb was behind me, at the top of the stairs. I nodded to avoid an argument and refrained from running down the remaining few steps. Once I reached the bottom, I turned right and swung open the from door. I watched Mom grab her bag from the passenger's seat and walk up the walkway.

I opened the door for her.

"Hi," I said. "How was work?" She works as a clothing designer at her boutique in the town, Salt and Pepper. She gave me an odd look and stepped inside.

"It was good. Why?"

"Just curious." I closed the door behind me and took her jacket from her, hanging it up in the closet. "Did you come up with any new designs?"

"Actually, yes I did. Would you like to hear about it?" I nodded my head and led her to the couch in the living room. I glanced at the clock: 7:01; she must've had to stay late to finish sketching the design. I held up a finger, telling her to wait just a moment. I ran into the kitchen and grabbed the plate we'd left on the counter for Mom, and popped it into the microwave. I clicked the 30 seconds button and watched the green numbers change as her food warmed up.

27

26

25

24

23

I stepped over to the silverware drawer and pulled out a fork. I then tossed my long, wavy blonde hair up into a quick ponytail, just as the microwave timer dinged. I opened the microwave door and pulled out the plate, and then closed it. I brought the plate to Mother and sat down on the couch across from her.

"So, tell me about the design."

"Oh, Beatrice, it's gorgeous! It is a strapless dress that goes down all the way to the ground. It's made out of a thin, silky material - it's soft to the touch. It has a sweetheart neckline and there's a belt that goes around the waist."

"Have you decided on a color yet?" I asked. She pursed her lips.

"I've been thinking about it, but there are so many choices, so many colors I want it to come in."

"Then have it in lots of different colors," I offered.

"That's a good idea, but I want it to be just a single color. I was thinking light green . . . or maybe light pink." I thought about all the details she'd told me about the dress and thought about what color I would want it in if I were to buy it, to wear it.

"Purple. Make it a purple dress with a peach colored belt. It'd be a beautiful dress, Mom."

She thought about it, her eyes narrowed like they do whenever she thinks hard about something. Then, her eyes lighted up.

"That would be beautiful! I'll make it those colors." I smiled and watched as she took a bite of mashed potatoes, the ones I'd made for dinner.

"Hey Mom?" She looked at me.

"Yes?"

"Can I try out for the school's football team?" I asked. She thought about it for a minute.

I don't think she's going to agree to it.

"I . . .I guess so. Sure. Just make sure you're careful, okay?" she said. I felt my eyebrows rise up.

"Really?"

"Yeah! I don't see why you couldn't as long as you stay careful and safe." I smiled and jumped up from my seat to hug her.

"Thanks,, Mom," I said.

"You are welcome. Now, when are tryouts?"

"Tomorrow."

Author's Note

There's Chapter One! I hope you guys liked it; let me know what you think! Also, if you've got any ideas for the next chapter, which will be tryouts, let me know what your ideas are!

~MoMaster