ayden sauntered off leaving it just me and Channing.
"So your sisters sixteen now?" I asked though I knew the answer. How could I not? Everyone in Erudite was talking about some party, that I didn't go to might I add. Plus it was Janines perfect little Erudite girl. Realistically I know Chase isn't perfect but she sure acts like it, and everyone plays along.
"Yup, whittle Chasey all growing up." I laughed as he pinched my cheek.
"How was the party?"
"Good, I wasn't really supposed to be there but dropped in to check in."
"Oh real-" My words were cut off by my mozart ringtone. Hayden always laughed at it reminding me i'm still a teen but, whatever. "Hello Artemis speaking." I chirped before Janine replied.
"Janine Matthews, Artemis why don't you come have a little chat. I hear you have updates about the weather." That really wasn't my job. Weather was code for 'outside the wall,'
"Yes, of course...I'll be there as fast as my feet can take me." With that we both hung up. "Sorry Channing gotta dash." Hugging him in a friendly way I headed for Janine's office.
"Come in, come in. Sit please." Janine said as she adjusted her glasses. I get the feeling she, like almost everyone, wore fake glasses. I hate when people do this. Me? I have too theres no choice, I've never had good eyesight and without my glasses...Well I wouldn't be able to see well. Opening my file I took a deep breath.
"The rebels have figured out how to travel through the gates, without us knowing,again." I knew she wouldn't like the news but it was my job to tell her. Contrary to what people believe all the important information is not on her computer. All of the information is scattered in a pattern. A lot of it is sent to mine, probably because Its locked so tight. I often wonder if one of the reasons she chose me for this job is because of the paper I wrote for initiation. I actually wrote three but only turned in one. "The importance of self security." A lot of other initiates made fun of my choice but the look on their faces when I got first clearly said, 'What the heck did she wright?'.
"Well, we'll just have to keep them away. I want even more security guarding the gates." Nodding I typed the simple instruction, along with many others. After a bit of discussion she paused.
"So.." Her voice held a 'try to be casual' tone, in way i've never heard before. "Are you and Hayden together yet?" I knew that question was coming. Everyone thought that we were just gonna go out one that was the case, it would've happened already. I know how to take charge and get what I want, I don't normally hide secrets. They didn't understand Hayden and I's relationship. After initiation I was terribly lonely and missed my family. Hayden and his wonderful family took me under their wing, treated me like a relative. The mere thought of Hayden and I makes me laugh. Problem was Janine was asking the question, which meant even a snicker wouldn't settle well. He would beat up any guy for me, even if it was his best friend. Luckily he won't have to because Channing and I will never, ever get together. Even if I wanted to, I work for his mother. On top of that i'm not interested in any relationships. I don't even understand why she cares if we're together. It could be because we work together, but it always sounded like she wanted him. Which is ridiculous because she is old enough to be his mother. Or maybe she's just curious because Channing, Hayden ,and I are friends.
"No, ma'am. Hayden and I are just friends, more like siblings actually." She nodded and began walking to the door eager to leave.
"Well I have to go send a letter, lock the door on your way out." Odd...doesn't she have people for that? Before I could open my mouth she swooped out in a hurry and down the steps, leaving me alone in her office. I felt slightly honored, not many were trusted in here alone. I'm sure her children, and Hayden are. I continued typing an email and sent it to Dauntless headquarters. Carefully I packed my laptop into its case. Gazing around once more I turned to leave when something caught my eye. She had a picture of the erudite symbol. That wasn't odd, however it was crooked. Nothing in her office was ever out of place. Especially a picture of our faction symbol. Knowing Janine wouldn't like it I stepped forward and turned it.
At the slightest touch it fell off the wall causing me to scramble. 'For every action there is a reaction.' I thought remembering all of Newtons laws. 'An object in motion stays in motion, an object at rest stays at rest. Unless acted on by an outside force.' In this situation the object was the picture, the outside force? My hand and the ground. When I stood to hang it once more I noticed a picture was behind it.
A younger Janine held six-year-old Channings hand. Oh man he was such a cute kid. Someones arm was wrapped around her waist. A mans arm, he looked a lot like Channing from the blonde hair to the blue eyes. In his other arm, balanced on his hip was a four year old Chase. She as well had the blonde hair, and blue eyes but looked a lot like her mother. Wedged in the corner of the frame was a letter. My Erudite curiosity willed me to read it, it beckoned me with every fiber of my being. So I did. The date was one week ago.
"Dear,Janine, my lovely my everything.
I miss you,Channing, and Chase. I can't believe our baby girl is sixteen already. I wish I could be there for you war out here is awful. So many young children return bruised and battered. Many young boys, and girls die and it hurts me. To think if Channing had chosen Dauntlesss this could be him. Thank goodness he stayed safely in the hands of Erudite. If this war ends, and I return they'll probably hate me. They won't understand. I miss you all so much, especially you m y little genius. Don't you ever forget that. You don't understand how much I miss you, or maybe you do. I have to go now the troops are coming back ill probably have to remove more bullets.
Love, William."
It all clicked. They must have taken the picture before he left. This William guy probably thought the war would end soon, and he would return home. I knew I shouldn't but I took a quick picture of it. Maybe I should show Channing, maybe he already know. After fixing the picture frame I hurried to where I would meet the initiates, and Hayden. Not even realizing how much time I had spent in her office, boggling over the letter.