Alex and Jeanine spoke for a while longer until she decided that we were probably tired and told us that the only room available was Jeanine's old room since they decided to keep it the same in case she ever came back. Seems like Jeanine was here for a lot longer than I had originally interpreted. She handed Jeanine the key and I followed her down the hall, Emily running after her mother like her life depended on it.
It wasn't until we reached the door that I spoke up, "How do you know Alex?"
Jeanine sighed as if revealing a big secret, "I have known her since I was a young child. My family knew hers, and although mine were within the walls of our city and hers were outside them, they both shared similar ideals. Destroy the bureau. Equality for the damaged and the pure. My mother might as well have had a sign on my wall that read 'damaged lives matter'. I was trained to stop the bureau as soon as they found out about my intellectual capabilities and her family helped. When I became leader at only seventeen I was petrified about the attention I was suddenly getting and the responsibly I now had. So, I called Alex and she took me outside the walls to here. I stayed here for a few months, sending messages back to my assistant on what to do regarding public appearance and maintenance of the faction. Eventually the Choosing Ceremony came around and I had to return to handle the initiates, but I still came here occasionally and helped them with plans, serums etc."
I was at a loss for words. Jeanine realised I didn't know what to say so she just unlocked the door and indicated for me to enter. I was shocked about how much history there was between Jeanine and Alex.
As I entered the room I could see that they had moved nothing. There was still papers scattered all over the desk and floor. Jeanine scuffled inside and apologised, picking up all the papers and putting them in a draw. There was a double bed in the corner and I guessed that all three of us would sleeping there.
"Sorry. Looks like it is going to be tight. Are you okay with sharing a bed?" Jeanine said.
"Yeah I went through Dauntless initiation remember." I said, laughing.
"Oh, sorry how could how forget. I knew there had to be someway that you managed to kick my ass rather spectacularly." She replied chuckling.
We both laughed for a moment before Emily started speaking, "Mummy, Mummy, I'm hungry." She whined.
"Ok Breakfast will be in five minutes." Jeanine said, glancing at the clock.
"You should probably get changed." I said looking over the mess that was standing in front of me. "Prison did not serve you well."
"Yeah I probably should." Jeanine said, laughing.
She walked over to the wardrobe and picked out a navy-blue skirt, a white top and a blue blazer and went into the bathroom to get changed. I looked around absolutely bewildered by the amount of personal belongings Jeanine had here. From a quick glance at her house I could interpret that the majority of personal items were Carla's or Emily's but here everything was Jeanine's. From pictures on the walls to what even looked like a diary that I wouldn't dare to read, this was Jeanine's. Judging by the pictures she hadn't changed too much, same almost white blonde hair only it was much shorter back then (I guess she has never liked long hair), same watery grey eyes that give away so much and so little at the same time and the same smile that made you feel safe and afraid all at once.
Jeanine returned from the bathroom looking way more presentable than before. She kept playing with her hair that now cascaded down her shoulders and you could tell that it was pissing her off. Erudites are very peculiar in the fact that they want to look presentable but don't really want to put any effort into it due to it distracting them from their work. Jeanine really was the definition of the perfect Erudite and no one could take that away from her no matter how much they hated her.
I laughed at her frustration and she just shot me a glare that sent extremely mixed messages.
"Pissing you off is it." I said playfully.
"I swear to God I am going to find some scissors and cut it myself in a minute." Jeanine muttered.
"Well I think you look beautiful." I replied laughing.
"Breakfastttt!" Emily screamed, excitedly.
Jeanine just laughed and picked up her daughter whilst gesturing for me to follow her.
We walked down several corridors until we came across two grand doors and Jeanine pushed them open. As soon as we walked in, cheering erupted and Emily began to jump around in fear and excitement. Jeanine just stood their shocked, grateful and self-conscious. She was like some sort of god to them and they were all over the moon to see her again.
Finally, Jeanine built up the courage to say thank you and we proceeded further into the dining room. Eventually Jeanine spotted Alex who had saved seats for us.
She patted Jeanine on the back and laughed "Wasn't expecting that was you."
Jeanine sighed and said, "Well it's a nice change that here they celebrate me entering a room alive rather than my head being carried through."
It made me sad that Jeanine thought like that despite me knowing that what she said was true.
Alex sighed and smiled knowingly. She looked down at Emily who was holding onto Jeanine like she was her life line. She patted her lap and after a little apprehension Emily crawled onto it.
We ate and retired back to our room.
