AN: Short and simple I don't own divergent.
Tris' POV
It was the day after Mrs. Eaton's funeral. I was so excited to prove how helpful I could be I wanted to skip to their house, but that wouldn't have been appropriate. My brother walked dutifully with me to the Eaton's home to make sure I made it there safely. I wouldn't know until later that the danger wasn't on the way there, it was inside.
I waved goodbye to Caleb as Mr. Eaton opened the door. "Beatrice, thank you for coming."
"Of course, Mr. Eaton. How can I help?" I asked bouncing on my toes.
"Please, call me Marcus. Why don't we start with the dishes?" He brought me into the kitchen and put a small step stool in front of the sink. I was small but with the step stool I could at least reach the water. I'd had lots of practice helping my mom. This would be easy. I grabbed the sponge and the soap and began my task. Mr. Eat...Marcus sat at the table with a cup of something, I wasn't sure what. It was very quiet. I thought that Marcus had a son. What was his name? Tommy? Toby? Tobias!
"Where's Tobias?" I innocently inquired. Marcus sputtered, choking on his drink.
"What did you say?" he asked in a gruff voice, probably from the choking.
"I was just..." I began to turn towards him, but slipped on water that had spilled onto the stool. The glass I was holding flew from my hand, and crashed onto the tile. "I'm so sorry, I slipped! I didn't mean to.." I began to stutter.
"Well it seems that you need to be taught a lesson." Mr. Eaton towered over me.
My eyes flew open, as my breath began to gradually slow. It was just a dream, not a dream a memory. It was the first day I had ever received a beating from Mr. Eaton. I remember who I'm pretty sure must have been Marcus's son pounding on a door. He must've known what was happening. He must go through the same thing if not worse. He'd be the only person to understand. I couldn't tell anyone else. Mr. Eaton had threatened to cost my father his job. "It would be awfully selfish of you to cost your father his job because you couldn't take responsibility for your mistakes. Now you'll come back tomorrow and we'll try again."
It didn't matter if I did everything perfect, he would find something to beat me for everyday. Sometimes I wished I would die so he would be caught. But he hadn't been caught when his wife died... Today school would be short for the aptitude test. If I remember right it would be Mr. Eaton's son's year to choose. I hoped he would choose a different faction. A faction that would take him far from the hands of his father.
I got dressed for the day, luckily Abnegation clothing easily covers the bruises and scars, and left with my brother for school. Classes were dull, and it's not like anyone was paying attention anyway. I drifted into my thoughts, Where would I choose? Where will I choose? I hate to leave my family, but I CANNOT stay here. At least they will have each other.
As I ate my ham sandwich during lunch I noticed another abnegation student sit next to me. I looked up at him for a moment before quickly focusing on my lunch again. He reminded me of Marcus. I wasn't sure why. It may have been his nose, or his hair, or his dark blue eyes. Was this Marcus' son? Not like it matters. I continued to eat my lunch. The bell rang and I looked at him once more to politely nod to him before I stood up to leave. It was time to go to the Eaton's again. I looked ahead of me as I walked. No point in moseying about. It was best to get there and get it over with quickly.
I knocked on the door and waited for the beast to answer. "Beatrice, what are you doing here so early? Shouldn't you be in school?" I wondered if he would punch me right here in the door.
"School's out early today. It's the aptitude test, sir." He seemed confused still, he must've been drinking. "Tomorrow is the choosing, remember?" For his eyes being blue I thought they would turn red with how much they seemed to burn.
"Of course, I remember. Come inside," he said calmly. Once I had stepped past the threshold, he shut the door behind me. "How dare you insult me and assume that I don't remember the day of my son's aptitude test and choosing! Looks like we're starting the lessons right away today. Strip your clothes." Yeah wouldn't want to tear the fabric or let my family see blood on my clothes. I'm leaving the moment I get the chance.
AN thank you guys so much for following this story. I know it's been literal years since I've posted any update. A special Thank you to WiseGirlDivergence46, your simple comment is actually what reminded me this story even existed. I can't guarantee any more updates but I will try. Since I last posted I've been married, changed jobs 3x and had a kid. so my writing style may be different but I hope it still satisfies my followers. Thank you.
