Elizabeth and I sit at long tables in the cafeteria. The tables are arranged according to our faction. Elizabeth sits with the Amity group at the far right. I'm at the Erudite table on the far left. Ten names are called at a time for each testing room. The test administrators are mainly volunteered Abnegation members, one Dauntless volunteer and one Erudite volunteer. We can't be tested by someone from our own faction, so I'm pretty sure my test administrator will be someone from Abnegation. It isn't long before I hear Elizabeth's name being called, along with one other Amity girl, two Erudite, two Dauntless, two Candor, and two Abnegation students. I watch as the group march through the exit, Elizabeth looks scared. She shouldn't, she belongs in Amity. She is sweet, gentle, and very compassionate. She's never willing to start fights, and always keeps her opinions to herself. She's also an amazing listener, whenever I need to let out my frustrations about Ms. Jean. UGH.
When I first met Elizabeth it was the second week of school, I sat alone during lunch, with my books. I remember I would read all the time. I read about adventures in far off places, knights in shining armor, and dragons. Children's books, my mother always said. But I didn't care, I loved my books they always made me feel like I belonged there. They made me feel homesick for a place I've never been to. Elizabeth was the one who helped me loosen that desire to be some where else, which often isolated me from everyone. She would always tell me, "Some day we wouldn't have to live in this world anymore, some day will pass on and have brave adventures of our own some where else. But for now have adventures here. Even if they are small adventures." From then on, Elizabeth and I became the most unlikeliest of friends. In our society it is considered strange to have two people from two different factions become good friends. Often, we would be called to the office for "Uncanny Behavior." I never understood, all I did was share my books with her, and climb trees!
Approximately ten minutes after Elizabeth left, she comes back paler than the moon, her smooth bronze skin bleached by fear. I mouth the words: What happened to you? But she makes no effort to look at me, instead she looks at the floor and sits down again. I feel my stomach contort in some odd angle. I don't want to go in there. I rub my arm in discomfort. What's going to happen to me in there?
"Alanna Peterson." When I hear my name called in the next group, my heart skips a beat. I slowly motion myself to get up. I feel the anxiety and nervousness fill my body, I don't even know who called my name. I take in a deep breath, while following the group towards the exit. I rub the side my arm as I stand in front of my assigned room. I take in one more deep breath and walk into testing room 3. Standing in front of the monitors is a thin Abnegation woman. She has high cheekbones and long eyelashes, her dirty blonde hair is tide in a low Abnegation bun. She is so pretty, unfortunately her beauty is dulled by grey Abnegation uniform.
"Good Afternoon, My name is Natalie Prior." She looks up from the monitor with a calm, serene smile. "Are you ready for your test?"
"Umm... Can I have a second to calm myself down?" I bite my lip.
"Of course." She says calmly. When she smiles, she creates these winkles on the side of her eyes. It makes her smile appeal even sweeter.
I turn towards the mirror. In the mirror I see a short skinny girl with pinkish cheeks, and pale skin. Bushy eyebrows. Long dark brown hair, pink lips, a narrow nose, and she wears large squarish glasses. But underneath those glasses are large round eyes. She wears a white button-up shirt, royal blue sweater, and a navy blue skirt with black shoes. She's me. I feel a hand rub my shoulder.
"You're beautiful, you know."
I look down, and smile shyly. "Thanks."
"Are you nervous?" She asks.
"I'm beyond nervous!" I chuckle.
Natalie grabs all my hair in one hand, and finger combs it with the other. "You seem like a strong, and intelligent young lady. I know your afraid and nervous but I promise you, this test won't hurt you. It'll tell me where you belong, and then it's up to you to decided where you belong." With one deep breath, I awkwardly sit in the chair, and put my head on the headrest. Natalie busies herself with the machine. I try not to focus on all the wires in her hands, instead I focus on her graceful movements.
"Thank you, for comforting me."
"You're welcome, It's what I do best."
I smile, as she presses the electrode to my forehead, and then to hers. Then she positions herself behind me.
"You very tense. Try to relax yourself."
I didn't even notice I was gripping the chair. My knuckles turned white. I close my eyes and try to relax. Then she hands me a vial of clear blue liquid.
"What is it?" I clench my teeth. I don't want to drink it.
"Unfortunately, I can't tell you. You'll just have to trust me."
I look from her to the vial. Just one big gulp. Chug it down quickly. Just do it! I close my eyes, hold my nose, and swallow all the liquid in one gulp. It all goes dark from there.