After some careful persuasion, an exhausting hike through the Erudite compound and a ten minute pep-talk I found myself standing awkwardly on the Tamworth's front door step. Adrenaline and fear pulsed through my body and my hands were slick with sweat. As I wiped them precariously on my blue denim jeans my mind was thrown back to a memory of that terrifying moment of realisation after the aptitude tests. The same palms pushed against a worn pair of Abnegation grey pants and the same fingers shook as they were drawn back; but somehow I felt, even after my short time in Erudite, a different man retained them and a different mind controlled them.
I took a deep breath, breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth just as my Father taught me. 'Breathe in the fresh Caleb, cleanse the mind and breathe out the clutter.' I raised a fist to the pale door and rapped against it as it swung open, knocking my hand clear.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" My knuckles stung but were quickly disregarded as I lifted my head to see the owner of the voice. She wore a deep blue, casual dress that stood stark against her pale blonde hair that hung loose around her shoulders; each strand framing the petite features of her face. She was slightly shorter than myself but not unnaturally and her delicate fingers were clamped over her mouth, eyes wide in horror.
I scolded myself briefly for allowing my eyes to wander. I opened my mouth but the words caught in my throat as I realised I had nothing to say.
"Oh my God it's you!" Something clicked behind her eyes, saving me from my awkwardness, "you're that boy aren't you? The one I hit with the door! Sorry about that by the way, I'm just so clumsy sometimes, limbs flying everywhere, it's a wonder how I survive in this place. How are you? I heard they put you in hospital or something! Oh my God, I haven't even introduced myself; I swear my head is off with the fairies majority of the time. My name's Abigail, Abigail Tamworth."
Her blunt outburst took me entirely by surprise. I'd never met another Erudite like her; someone with such clumsy and free energy. I swallowed, but the stubborn lump in my throat held its ground. "Caleb." I croaked, "Caleb Prior."
"Nice to meet you Caleb." She grasped my hand in both of hers and shook it vividly. "Look, I'm so sorry but now's not really a good time to chat. Maybe I'll catch up with you tomorrow? I'll meet you in the Library and we can chat and study for that big test aye?"
I didn't know if I'd heard a better suggestion in my life! I stuttered a quick agreement before gliding back down the front porch. I felt giddy with a warm sensation of relief, excitement and pure joy.
'A date.' Was all I could think to myself. 'Caleb Prior you are going on a date.'
