This is my absolute first attempt at any writing. I am very open to reviews, feedback and comments. Thanks so much.
Chapter Two
Tris POV
I hold my books closer to my chest, to ward off the chill from the wind. Its late afternoon but the sun is already dipping away. Stopping at the top of the hill I let the breeze wash over me. I can smell fall in the air; smoky tints with deep, muddy earthy tones. The first week of classes has gone by fast. Most freshman classes seem to be the large lecture hall type. It's nice to be able to just be a number and blend in with no one calling on me or expecting anything from me.
The pinks and oranges of the sky are starting to turn dark purple; I turn and head towards my dorm. I have a paper to work on in my communications 101 class and I should probably get started on that. The rustling of the leaves around me start to sing. I recognize the song. Turning I see a dance studio in the building in front of me. The dance troupe is moving in fluid motion. Bending, lifting, one unit supporting itself. It's beautiful.
I once danced like that. My father likes to say that I never actually started to walk I just danced everywhere. My mother spent every moment chasing after me trying to get me to walk properly, chastely. My skipping and leaping drove her crazy; though it usually appeared that everything I did drove her crazy.
My father was, is the local pastor in my small town. My mother was always so concerned about my brother, Ethan's and my behavior in public. She was always reminding us that we were a reflection of our father and his position; and therefore, we must be seen as well behaved, selfless, pious children. The Pious Priors. I failed often with this. My brother Ethan never did and was always there to help me.
My brother Ethan was actually my half-brother. He was six years older than me. My mother was widowed when Ethan was a baby and she met my father at a church volunteering event out of state. They married and then I came along a few years later. I adored my older brother. He was so smart, charming, caring and also selfless. He put everyone before himself. I was his dancing shadow everywhere he went.
When I was 5 and Ethan 11, he was killed riding his bike to the library. It was a hit and run and the driver was never found. My mother was always a quiet, nervous person, but losing Ethan turned her into a ghost. She was convinced that this was God's punishment for some transgression of hers; a transgression she would never share. We were never close, I was always a daddy's girl, but after losing Ethan, what little I did have from my mother was now gone. My bright world turned to grey.
My mother became very concerned with where I was and who I was with as I got older. I was no longer allowed to ride my bike anywhere, spend the night at friends, and worse of all to take dance classes. For years I tried to be everything Ethan had been. If I could be more selfless, more helpful, quieter, smarter, just a little bit better maybe my mother would love me again.
When I was 15 and a sophomore in high school I had finally given up trying to be something I couldn't be for my mother. In rebellion, I secretly tried out for our school's dance team. I knew my mother would never approve. Aside from dancing she would be against the tight costumes, the make-up, and the attention seeking aspects of performing at half-time in front of the whole school. I was thrilled when I made the team. I told my parents I was volunteering after school at a local church to explain why I was coming home late from practices. As with any secrets, they are bound to come out. After a month, my father was visiting the school and saw me. I was terrified. My father had always understood my need to be myself. He told me I could keep dancing.
That night my mother wouldn't speak to me at dinner. Later, she came to my room and informed me how disappointed she was with me. That my choices were going to turn me wild. I promised her that I was just dancing. That I was still a good girl.
Two months later I met Eric…..
"Hey Tris. Do you want to eat dinner with us?" I jerk from the window. The dance is over and the troupe is heading out of the studio. I see Christina running towards me.
"Sure. Sounds great." I'm not really hungry but I'm learning that sometimes just agreeing and blending in is the easier way to get through the day.
"Great. After dinner you are going to the first night of Sorority Rush with me. I'm not taking no for an answer. You can even borrow a dress from me." Christina loops her arm through mine and half drags me to the cafeteria. I wonder how long this new plan of just agreeing and blending is going to work for me.