Chapter 3

The next day, I awaken in darkness. I look at the digital clock next to my bed to find that it's 10 o'clock in the morning and it's still pitch black in my room, this is peculiar. Suddenly I remember the previous day's events and that I am in my new bedroom in Dauntless. This apartment has no windows. No windows means no natural light.

I yawn and climb out of my bed, using my fingers to comb out my unruly hair. The feeling of thick black hair resting on my shoulders is foreign to me, I feel like a young girl in a costume. I'm frazzled and I don't know who I truly am. I stretch out my neck and try to ignore the sensation of the hair, not wearing my hair in a bun is very odd.

I shudder away the thoughts and feel along the cement wall, searching for the doorknob. Once I successfully turn the knob and open the door, artificial light startles my eyes and I blink for a few seconds to adjust to the sudden brightness. Four and Tris are on the couch, laughing about something. They snap their heads towards me standing in the doorway. "How'd you sleep?" Four asks, standing up.

"Pretty good." I shrug. "Not used to not having sunlight though."I laugh lightly, sitting on the other couch and rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

"Yeah, it takes a couple weeks to get used to." Tris nods, agreeing with me. "Why don't you get dressed and we can go get some breakfast from the cafeteria?"

I do as she suggests and we return to the large and noisy cafeteria for our morning meal that pretty much goes the same as last night's dinner. I was ignorant and confused the whole time, still trying to observe the different Dauntless personalities. Four is very strong and demands respect, but in his eyes you can tell he really cares about all the Dauntless citizens. Tris is very clever and understanding, supporting everyone. Uriah is very loud and loves to make people laugh, and he protects the ones he loves. Christina enjoys the use of sarcasm and is very witty. Will is very cute and can make me giggle, he also likes to make bets with anyone who is willing to challenge him. I am starting to understand that being Dauntless doesn't always mean you seek out violence and recklessness at all times. Being Dauntless gives you the freedom to discover who you are and protect those around you. Maybe this isn't so bad after all.

...

After lunch, Four offers to show me his office in Dauntless Headquarters, and I agree. It will be interesting to see where my brother works, he has come so far since Marcus was beating him as a young boy.

We enter steel doors that lead to the building in the center of the pit. The building is tall and cylindrical, made of all different kinds of metal and glass. We take an elevator to the very top floor that contains the huge glass skylight that provides the natural light for The Pit. I gasp in awe as we exit the elevator and I'm greeted with a fancy office floor and a perfect view of the daytime sky. "Amazing, isn't it?" He asks and I simply nod in response.

No people are roaming around the floor, only Dauntless leaders are allowed up here. I feel special and that I'm starting to gain my relationship with my brother back. Four leads me into his personal office, it's big and has a very open but powerful feeling. It reminds me of any government leader's office, all black and not a speck of dirt in sight. I run my hand across the window, careful not to leave any fingerprints, and admire his perfect view of The Pit. "Do you like being a leader?" I ask curiously.

He thinks for a second before replying, "Yes, I find that I have more control over myself when I am in control of other people."

I nod and don't respond, his reply bringing me into my own thoughts. I have always felt that I have had no control over things in my life, it would be nice to be in control for once. To make my own decisions, not to let anyone influence me otherwise. I guess that's being Dauntless is all about, being in control of your own destiny.

"What do you think of my office?" Four asks, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms over his chest.

"It's...big." I say, naming the only characteristic that comes to mind that can possibly describe all of this.

Four laughs and nods. All of a sudden there's a knock on the door and without waiting for a response, somebody walks in. The big man is the definition of confidence, striding in like he owns the world. His eyebrow and ear piercings make him look even scarier than my brother, if that's possible. He evaluates the situation in front of him, looking me up and down. I shrug my shoulders and look at the ground, embarrassed.

"Your sister?" The man asks, his voice is deep and powerful, demanding control of the room.

"Yeah." Four smiles. "Bo, this is Eric, he's also a Dauntless leader." Four says, gesturing to the man in the doorway.

I build up the courage to look him in the eye and it's then when I realize how good looking he is. He is very appealing to the eye. "H-hello Mr. Eric." I stutter, still not the most comfortable meeting new people.

"Call me Eric." He laughs. "No need for formalities, you're Four's sister!" He exclaims, stepping into the room. I smile softly in response, enjoying his loud personality.

"Aren't Dauntless leaders supposed to be scary?" I giggle softly, not being able to contain my curiosity at his animation.

"We don't have to be around each other." Four smiles and shrugs in response, fist bumping Eric. I laugh and shake my head, growing to like Dauntless people more and more by the minute.

...

After dinner, I decide to wander around the compound on my own. So far all I have found are multitudes of apartments and lots of different training rooms. A few minutes later, I stumble, literally, across a recreational area. It's full of kids my age playing different games with cards and some sort of boards. I hesitantly enter the room, wanting to explore but not knowing a single person in here. A girl around my age approaches me. "Are you Bo?" She asks, tilting her head as she eyes my outfit.

"Ummm yes?" I squeak, wondering how she knows who I am.

She laughs coldly, "Good luck surviving here, I hope you transfer back to Abnegation at your choosing ceremony." She taunts, making her point by spitting in my face and striding away.

I stand there shocked for a second before I collect myself and swiftly exit the room to go hide in an abandoned tunnel. I will myself not to cry and surprisingly, it works. Taking deep breaths to calm down, I ponder what school will be like when I return tomorrow. I'll be in Dauntless clothes, sitting in designated Dauntless areas, but alone. I hope at least one person will be nice and accepting towards me.

...

I feel the dirt under my feet, the wind in my face, and the sharp pain in my wrist. I've been back at school for a week now and I've never felt so worthless. Even when Marcus was beating me, it never hurt this much. Watching all the people you grew up with turn against you because of one small change, where you live. People say actions speak louder than words, but trust me, words are just as hurtful.

I reach the door with my brother's name on it, signifying that I made it to his office on the top floor of the Dauntless Headquarters. I know he's in here because his work hours haven't ended yet.

Not wanting to wait a second longer, I quickly throw open the door, anxious to be in the comfort of my brothers arms. The past week I have spent lots of time grieving over the loss of my father, as messed up as that is, and trying to adapt to my new lifestyle. Four has been a huge help to me and most nights I end up crying in his arms because I'm so scared of this huge change in my life. The tears that I couldn't hold back any longer are streaming down my face. "Four." I cry out, looking up only to see him standing in the corner talking to someone, their backs to me.

Both of them turn their heads, seeing my emotional state. As immediate as a light switch, Four's face changes from shock to anger and then to pain. He runs to me and pulls me close. "Eric, can we have a few minutes alone?" Four asks, slightly nodding his head towards the door.

Eric exits quickly, leaving just the two of us in the office. I sob into his chest and pray I will never have to let go. "Bo, what's wrong?"

"Everything! Everyone hates me." I cry, soaking his black shirt with my tears.

"Nobody hates you Bo." Four replies confused.

"You don't understand, you weren't there." I say, shaking my head. I pull back from him just enough to look into his eyes. "Please don't make me go back." I plead and shove my head back into his chest.

"Go back where? Bo, you've only been to school." He says, pausing for a moment. "Are people at school bullying you?" He asks, and I can feel his muscles tighten in a protective manner.

I nod weakly against him, silently begging him to calm down. I don't need to be the cause of anymore "What do they say?"

"It doesn't matter, they're right." I shrug, my tears gradually slowing down.

Four pulls away and looks me in the eyes. "Bo, you're perfect. Don't worry about what they say about you. Do you want me to find a way to homeschool you?" He asks, worry filling his brown eyes.

"B-but you already have a job." I sniffle.

"Bo, I have ultimate power here, I can find a way." He scoffs, rolling his eyes.

"You're sure it's not too much trouble? I can handle it if it is a big hassle." I say quickly, not wanting to burden Four with my silly bullying troubles.

"It will be arranged within the hour." Four smiles, gently kissing me on the forehead and releasing me from the hug, I nod in response.

...

I remain seated in Four's office, he went to fetch someone for me to meet. A soft knock fills the room followed by the entrance of my brother and a raven-haired woman. "Bo, meet Tori, she will be homeschooling you." He smiles, gesturing to the tall and lean woman.

"It's nice to meet you Bo. I hope you don't mind having your school in the tattoo parlor." Tori laughs lightly, causing a small smile to form on my permanently chapped lips.

"I don't mind at all." I giggle, relaxing into the leather back of the chair.

...

After setting up the whole homeschooling ordeal, I pause for a minute to observe The Pit from Four's observation window. I can't help but notice and appreciate the simplicity of the Dauntless lifestyle. They are so open and accepting of who they are, they do not doubt themselves or their ability. They will do anything for someone they care about, no matter the personal costs. I hope someday I can be like them, someday I could be Dauntless too.

A/N: So sorry for the late update! Please let me know what you think and make a prediction on what happens next. I'm open to suggestions on where this story will go.