Chapter 2

(Tris' POV)

How can this be?

Abnegation. Dauntless. And Erudite.

I am not supposed to have 3 options, I still can get my mind around it. The test was supposed to tell me where I belong

"Divergence is extremely dangerous..." those words make an ache in my mind. Tori said I shouldn't tell anyone and I know I can't. Ever.

I walk almost in the middle of the road towards my way home, and I still can't get the last hour out of my head. I knew I would choose anything but abnegation if it meant I would be away from Marcus but now it really is my choice.

I need to give Marcus a result if I don't, I know he will beat it out of me and that is only worse for me so I figure I will give him the answer he wants. I'll tell him at least one of the results the test didn't rule out; abnegation.

I sit on the front step outside my house trying to contemplate everything before me. I know Marcus will be getting home shortly so I decide to go in and make supper.

"What was your result for the test?" Marcus asks while studying my reaction as he walks into the kitchen. I must not heard him get home. I know I have to sound convinced so I take a different approach that will distract him if he knows I'm lying.

"We aren't supposed to tell anyone our results" I say softly.

Oh no, he's angry very angry, him being quite while glaring at me sends a rushing fear through my spine and I am now very aware I won't be sleeping well tonight.

He starts unbuckling his belt and I know what's to come, the same drill I've know since I was 7. "Beatrice, you know this is for your own good, you know I don't like to ask twice" he's almost whispering and that's his cue to inform me that it's going to be long and brutal.

"You can't keep things to yourself, that's very selfish of you. I am doing this because you need to learn to be better... and this is the only way" he states right before I bent down covering my face.

I close my eyes letting the darkness take me while Marcus lashes his belt at my back. Suddenly being drift off into the darkness doesn't seem so bad anymore.

When I wake he is gone, and I am thankful I can at least make it to my room without him screaming at me to get out of his sight. My room is dull and plain, and in all ways simple. I decide I no longer need to think about tomorrows choosing ceremony, and instead I try to lay in my bed hoping my injured back will numb. Any move I make stabs me with a sharp pain so I try to focus on old memories of when my mother was alive to ease my hurt. Tear prickle my eyes as I try and remember the few good memories I still have of when life was a better and happier place. Smiling I drift off to my sleep hoping for a new life after tomorrow.

The alarm clock wakes me up with a jolt and before I realize today's event I can't seem to comprehend that this is the last time I will awake in this bed. The thought seems too good to be true. I get up wincing at the pain and soreness that surrounds my entire back and arms, walking towards the shower I start to think of where I will be by end of the day. A smile creeps up my face and excitement invades my mind.

As we head to the choosing ceremony Marcus can't stop rambling of how after I choose he will find a job for me in his work place and he will be standing taller because of it. At least to society.

"You belong here in abnegation Beatrice, just like your mother did. Your ungrateful brother was selfish, he will end badly for his unwise and poor decisions, but I will make sure you understand the importance of selflessness to my degree. Even the aptitude says it, you belong here in abnegation, and that is what you'll choose today, for both of our sake and the well being of the city. In time you can be my predecessor and I will finally have what I deserve." He states.

I'm not surprised he thinks that since yesterday he finally beat the answer out of me, but he doesn't know that was only one of the answers. I know Marcus and I know he is dangerous, deadly enough to hurt me even more if he finds out what I am. I wonder idly what being divergent means, why it endangers me greatly. I don't know but I must keep it a secret, for my sake.

Stepping out the bus I noticed all students headed the same way, and I notice all the dauntless running and jumping out the train, I day dream about what it must feel like to be that free and strong. I watched them as they sprint pass me to the building. They wear black and have their skin vividly decorated with as many tattoos and piercing they want.

"Pay no attention to those scandalous rebels, Beatrice. Go on, we must get a seat and return home soon, you'll have much work to do". He rebuffs threateningly as if assuming I will choose to stay with him. Of course he is thinking that but he is not counting that I will not return home ever. He turns and finds me glaring at him, uh oh! I'm in trouble and he, very discreetly pulls me from my hand crushing my fingers directing me to our seats. I try to fight my hand free off his grasp but he is far too strong. If I'd were to stay I know he would punish me dearly for this act of rebellious but I no longer care

They start off with the usual speech of why we have factions and why it is so important for us to choose since we are the key to the future. I suddenly feel sick to my stomach and question if it's my nervousness or if it's something else.

I quickly return my attention to the names being called and I remember Caleb's choosing ceremony, he walked of giving me a reassuring smile while squeezing my hand one last time before he got up to go choose. That's when I knew that was his way of saying good bye; I knew he wouldn't choose abnegation. My father glared at him as his blood fell into the bowl filled with water symbolizing Erudite, he couldn't stand it longer. So he got up and left with me behind. I hope to have as much strength as my dear brother had in that moment. I hope to make the right decision whatever that may be.

I sat there while the names continued being called and all I could think of is where I could see myself more; Erudite. Or dauntless, perhaps even Amity, or Candor. But I know Candor is out of the question. I like privacy so the thought of being honest always annoys me.

Then there's Erudite representing knowledge and intelligence. I do like learning new things and deeply enjoy the mystery in things I can figure out. But I know that if I pick Erudite it won't be the end of Marcus but on the other hand that is where Caleb is and I would very much like to see him again. I do miss my brother.

Amity represents peacefulness and kindness, though I know that I would be far enough away from Marcus and he won't be an issue any longer. Maybe Amity isn't a bad idea even though the aptitude test said amity was ruled out. Then again the test didn't matter much.

"Beatrice Eaton"

I am startled as I hear my name and see Marcus standing up to let me by. As I leave he whispers in my ear "do the right thing Beatrice", and I tell myself I will as I walk towards the 5 white bowls in the center of the room.

Once I take the knife in my hand I see Marcus' evil grin in his face expecting me to choose abnegation and I know I have to protect myself of what's about to happen. But how can I do that? How will I protect myself from the one thing in the world that scares me to my death? I stretched my hand out to the bowls; Erudite and Dauntless are off to the same side, one next to the other. I debate on what it's the best for me, I scan the crowd and my eyes land on the side of the room covered by people wearing all black, and it dawns on me that what I need is strength and courage and I know just where that is.

I need to be selfish, I need to be brave.

Without me noticing my hand is over the white bowl as my blood sizzles as it touches the coals.

"Dauntless" is all that is heard in the room.

Hey guys im progressing slowly this is my first FF, pls pls R&R! I would very much appreciate any suggestions and comments on this! (: