Chapter Eight – Double Revenge
Ethan makes sure to wake me up, and consequently, Emmett, in the next morning. "Hey, do you want to know what game I invented for our initiation? You know, just to have a little fun while we're here. It's called "let the mute scream", so the first one to make you scream, wins." He laughs, but none of his friends join him. Lara lost with Lucas and Andrew knows he didn't do well as he could've, seeing that he hesitated before every attack. Ethan gives them a furious glance and exits the room, but not before Emmett shouts. "If I were you, I would focus on the combats!"
Just then I remember I'm still in the same bed as he is. I look at him and raise my eyebrows, asking for an explanation of what he just said. But he doesn't give me any. "Good morning!" He says with a smile, pretending to have just woken up. He looks way too happy. "Is it too bad if I get a tattoo of Ethan's dead body?" He asks. I laugh, but he's worrying me. I'm afraid that what he saw yesterday might have somehow changed him; or simply living in here. Emmett is not like this, he's not vengeful.
I get up and pull him with me, but he gets too close so I let my hand go of his. He reacts immediately and puts his hand around my waist, pulling me closer – in a protective gesture, just like he did yesterday. I look around. Everyone but Ethan is still in the dorm, though they're already dressed up, so my guess is that we're getting late for the morning training. Luckily we're already dressed with our clothes from yesterday. My face burns and I know I'm blushing – Emmett's persistence on wanting to replace me yesterday is coming to my mind, and now it seems different, like he didn't just want to replace me because I'm a girl.
I try to get these thoughts out of my head. Of course he did it because I'm a girl, and because I'm weak and he knows it. "I think we should go get breakfast; and fast!" I say, not looking into his eyes. He evaluates my face for a while and then let go of me. "I'm not hungry." He says. I look up – the smile is gone.
Until now I was thinking of stepping backward, away from his arm so he wouldn't manage to put it around my waist again, but now I move forward and take his hand. "Let's go to the training room now, then." I pull him out of the room, feeling four pairs of eyes in my back. This is not the "Abnegation" mute they know – this is not even how Isabelle would act.
According to Four, this was our last day of shooting with guns. Again, I think I might have been only one of the few to understand the double meaning of his words. Just because we're not using guns, doesn't mean we're not using other type of weapon. I wonder what it is.
"Can't wait for tonight! Thank god they made it sooner this year! I mean, why do they only do this once a year?" Owen seems excited today. "I know! I just hope we get in the same team this year, I mean, it's our initiation year!" Maeve almost screams as we pick a table and sit down. "Yeah, too bad we lost last year. But this time it'll be at night! It's going to be even better! Hope you're not afraid of the dark, are you Is?" Owen turns to me, failing on his try to avoid looking at how close Emmett and I are on our side of the table. Our elbows touch in every move, and I feel my arm burning, if not my whole body.
"Dark?" I laugh by the simple thought of it; I and the dark are best friends since I got here. "No, I'm not. But what are you guys talking about? What happens tonight?" I ask, not being able to catch up with them. Maeve laughs. "Don't tell them! Make it a surprise. I want to see their faces!" I turn to Emmett, who hasn't said a word. "Can you believe this?! And they call themselves our friends!" He laughs. "You know, I'm still wondering why Ethan calls you a mute. It just doesn't make sense in my head. I mean, while we were at the Candor, it made sense, but now, the only time I've seen you quiet is when you're a sleep." I blush and feel that pain in my chest again. I low my head so that he won't see me. What exactly is he saying? That he preferred it before?
Owen looks at him, suspicious. "Who told you?" He asks. I look up to Emmett again. Who told him what? "Four." Emmett says, showing Maeve his tongue. "Damn! I'm going to kill him! He just ruined the best part!" Oh! They're talking about whatever happens tonight. "Wait… why didn't you tell me, then?" I ask. Emmett smiles again, but doesn't give me an answer, instead he shrugs. I stand up and take my tray to leave; I don't want to be in their secret society if I'm the only one who doesn't know what's going on. God, I miss Kate now, at least she didn't keep secrets from me.
I'm already in the dark hall that connects the dining room to the Pit when I hear running steps behind me, but I don't turn around, though I feel tempted to. I recognize the rhythm of his steps – it's Emmett. Unexpectedly I feel his arms around my waist and his hands on my stomach pulling me back to his chest. I freeze and feel is warm breath on my neck. What's going on with him? His breath moves from my neck to my ear. "It's supposed to be a surprise. You'll see tonight." He softly kisses me in the neck.
I take his hands off me and turn around to face him. My heart skips a beat – he's too close. I take a measured step backward – I remember what happened this morning. I hurt his feelings by showing him I feel… on fire, when he's too close.
"Yeah?! And what was that mute thing all about?!" I was trying to use a disinterested tone of voice, but I end up shouting. He stops smiling. "I was joking! C'mon you won't tell me you got mad at me?" He steps forward to reach me, but I step backward, feeling the tears in my eyes. I'm not a girl to cry and I don't want him to see me like this, so I run into the dark, leaving him shouting my name behind me.
Not two minutes after I started running, I bump into someone - a boy. I look up. Great! It's Four. "Is?" He asks.
Being childish, I look down and shake my head. He laughs, but not for long, just enough to show that I'm being stupid. He puts his arm around my shoulders and drives me to training room – the big one, with the punching bags. I almost forgot I still have training until six o'clock. He makes me sit in the wooden bench and then sits by my side.
"Is, c'mon, look at me." I shake my head again. I feel like my chest is going to break into pieces and my hands tremble, not to mention the rivers that flow from my eyes. I don't remember when the last time I cried was. "Is!" I strain to look to his face, but I refuse to look into his dark blue eyes, ending up by deciding to look to his mouth. A lot of people do that, they look to where the sound comes from. "What is this about? Is it because of what happened yesterday?" I shake my head. "Okay. Then… This sounds stupid to ask you, but is it because of the pain? You'll have to deal with it here on Dauntless, we're always injuring ourselves." I hesitate before I shake my head again. It's about the pain, but not the pain he's talking about. It's a pain I don't know and a pain that I'm afraid of. But I'm a know-it-all like Ethan after all, right? That's what my test said, and even though I can't think about other thing when I feel this pain, I noticed that it has only showed up when Emmett is around. He's causing this pain, and that hurts me even more, as I can't just stop seeing him – being with him.
Four stares at me for while, and then it's like something lights up in his mind, in fact, the same thing that just lighted up on mine. "It's Emmett, isn't it?" I look down, and I regret it, as it automatically confirms his suspicions.
"Look, maybe he's still a little pissed off about what happened yesterday, and I have an apology to say to you, I should've stopped Eric from choosing who was fighting who, but we all need to be careful with him, he's good friends with Max. But as I was saying, Emmett will go back to normal okay? He'll be your Emmett again." I freeze, my Emmett? He means, my friend Emmett right? It's just how people say it in Dauntless. Even though Four made some jokes about me dating Emmett, that's what they were, jokes. He wouldn't say them now. "I know he might act a little violently now, but it's a hard change for all of you, and this is being particularly hard for him. Give him-"
"Wait, violently?! What the hell are you talking about?" Violent would be the last word I would use to describe Emmett now. "Yes. That's not what you're talking about?" I hesitate and decide I can trust Four. Emmett's words cross my thoughts that brief second before I start talking – "I thought she meant something to you. She admires you, you know? That's why she feels she can do anything when the rest of us could pee in our pants every time we see you." He's right, I do admire Four, for his persistence that we should all learn how to be Dauntless even if we don't stay in this faction.
"No…" I start. Then I tell him what's been going on with Emmett. How he was before, how he became when we came here – all protective and he definitely has something against Owen (Four laughs at this part, and when I ask him why he says "He's jealous." I strain not to think about it, but I feel like a strange fire, more like the strange fire I feel when I'm with Emmett and when his touch warms me and fights the pain. Then I tell myself he's only jealous because he's my best friend, and he's not used that I – we – have other friends.) – and at last I tell him what happened yesterday and today. I tell him how he was all pissed off at the training room - at this training room - and then how all of sudden he looks extremely happy.
"Oh shit!" Four says. "The painkillers I gave him yesterday. He was supposed to take them yesterday, but he might have taken them today instead, and so we're able to see the effects. They must be too strong for him because I didn't bother to check his condition, I just gave him mine." "Painkillers? What did he need them for? He didn't fight." Four's expression turns to a guilty look. I look at him back, suspicious, and by doing so, I notice that the tears have dried and I'm not crying anymore. "After he took you to the hospital, he went to look for me and he tried to punch me, and obviously I defended myself… well, maybe with too much strength."
"You hit him?!" He raises his eyebrows. "Two seconds ago you were crying because he told you, you can't shut up, now you're complaining because I hit him?" "He was like that because of you! Because of the painkillers!" I don't want to admit it, but I feel so relieved now that I know it wasn't Emmett. Maybe he really likes me back. Maybe not just as a neighbor, or a friend.
The door opens behind me and the other transfers enter the room. Emmett has to rush in after everybody - he was obviously far from here. Maybe he was still in the dark hall I left him. His face changed so much since then, and it all happened like fifteen minutes ago. His eyes are red, his fists are clenched and the biggest difference is the smile, the smile he had all morning is gone. I took away that smile – again. The red eyes didn't mean what I thought they meant, he was not sleepy yesterday - he had been crying!
I wait for him to sit by my side and apologize for my reaction, but he doesn't. I feel anger for myself, I should've known that something was wrong, that wasn't my Emmett. Instead, he sits on the opposite side of the bench, as far from me as he can. I pinch my lips. Four stands up as everyone – well, everyone but Emmett - is looking at both of us, sitting side by side, maybe too close for a girl and her instructor, but not close enough to tell we're close friends, as it's what Four just became to me. Or maybe he was already.
Four turns the black board and I don't even need to look at my name to know I won't fight today – I bet that's what he promised Emmett – so I look at Emmett's name. My heart literally stops when I see the name in front of his: Ethan. That's why he looked so satisfied, he got his payback. And that's what he was talking about this morning. I clench my fists and put my arms around my legs. They're having the first fight.
Ethan doesn't look so happy now as he walks towards the center of the room. He obviously remembers Emmett's words as well as I do. Emmett gets up to, ready for the fight. "Let's see if the know-it-all can scream." He says, as Four lets the combat begin.
I have to hold the bench to stop myself from jumping and step between Ethan and Emmett. As far as I can see Ethan is winning, but Emmett attacked successfully more times, and he runs really fast. Ethan manages to punch Emmett in his mouth, making him bleed. I feel my hands hurt with all the strength I'm putting in them. Please, let the fight be over soon, let the fight be over soon. Emmett doesn't bother cleaning the blood out of his face. A weird roar comes out of his mouth as he jumps over Ethan and punches him hard in the stomach. Ethan steps backward – Emmett got it right this time. Just stop it Emmett. Stop the fight. And he does it, because that's who he is. He makes Ethan fall on the ground by kicking him in his thigh. I look at Four, I know these are not the rules, but Ethan is on the ground, he can stop the combat now.
Four nods and says. "Okay, okay. Everybody calm down." I get up and run to Emmett. His mouth is slightly opened with the picture of me running towards him, but he doesn't let me down. He wraps his arms around me when I hit his chest. I don't care if everybody is watching, I just want my Emmett back, and I'm not going to let Ethan destroy whatever this is.
"Let's get you to the hospital." I say, putting my arm around him. I can feel him breathing really fast. I look at Four and he nods, agreeing with me, but he also looks at Ethan, saying he comes with us. I press my lips together and nod too. I don't help Ethan getting up, instead I exit the room and wait for him to catch up with me and Emmett, but not before I see the look on everybody else's face, though Liz is the only one staring at my left hand, laced on Emmett's, while my right hand his around him. It's not that gesture that makes the difference, Emmett and I have been holding hands since the ceremony day, but before there wasn't this fire in my eyes, or this sudden need of being so close to him. Or even the constant blush on our faces. I wonder how is it to see all of these from the outside… Is it as confusing as it is for me? Is it confusing for Emmett too?
As we walk towards the hospital I make sure to keep Emmett on my right side and Ethan on my left. Emmett is trying to make me let him go so that I won't have to carry both his weight and Ethan's who has his hand on my shoulder. But I keep Emmett's hand on mine, and my arm around him, until we get there, and then panic when I have to let go.
One of the nurses carefully evaluates both of them and sends Ethan to one of the beds. "I'll get you some painkillers and some ice for that lip." She says as she starts looking for the painkillers. Emmett turns to me, but keeps his eyes focuses on the ground. "Is… I'm sorry, I-" I cut him. "You don't have to be sorry. Four told me what happened. I should've known." He looks at me. "You couldn't."
The nurse is back with the painkillers. "Those are going to make you sleepy so maybe you should go to your dorm and someone can put the ice in you lip later, while you're asleep. Just make sure to wash your face, okay?" She lends him a small plastic flask with two pills. I take the flask and exit the room, so that I can help him get to the dorm. He stops me once we're in the dark hall.
"Give me the pills and go find the others." He says. "What?" "I don't want you around when I take them." "Don't be stupid, these are going to put you asleep; the ones Four gave you were different painkillers." I say, holding the flask with more strength than I should. He shrugs. "I don't care. I'm not going to risk to hurt you again." He moves forward all of sudden and my heart races and I feel my neck burn in the place he kissed me today, but he's only trying to take the pills from me. I give them to him. He looks at me for a while and then steps backward again, embarrassed. My hand moves automatically and I end up caring him in the cheek. I feel myself forced to say something. "I did know. I just refused to see it." I take my hand back. "I'll be there to put your ice when you're asleep."
I spent the past two hour putting ice on Emmett's face. It's almost midnight and both Owen and Maeve managed to sneak into our dorm once everyone fell asleep. They're obviously too excited about whatever is going to happen tonight.
"We better go, and you better wake him up. Four will be here any minute." Maeve says as she pushes Owen out of the room. He didn't talk much while he was here, which is weird because he's used to be with Maeve. Maybe he just got used to have another guy in the group.
I nod, but they're out already. I turn to Emmett to check his lip and I feel something on my back. I almost fall from the bed, but Emmett's arm keeps me steady. "Damn, you scared me! How long are you awake?" He smiles, what makes me suspicious, maybe these painkillers were the same Four gave him. "Sorry, but I wouldn't take it back, you're funny when you overreact." "Funny?" I say, trying to look mad, but that's impossible because I'm still feeling that relief I felt to know that Emmett is back – my Emmett.
The door opens when he opens his mouth. "Everyone up! We have a train to catch in ten minutes!" He turns the light on to make sure we're all awake and when he looks at me in Emmett's head he has to contain a smile. Great, I owe him one now.
Fifteen minutes later we're all on a train's car, waiting for Four to explain us why are we awake at midnight. The Dauntless-born initiates are here too, and so are Eric and Lauren, Owen's sister and also his instructor.
"Okay, transfers listen to me. This was only supposed to happen tomorrow night after our field trip." Everyone starts talking at the same time, Four never told us about any field trip. "But!" He screams to make his self hear over the sound of the train. "As we all decided that you weren't use to jump in and out of trains yet, and we didn't want you to embarrass all of us tomorrow, it's going to happen tonight."
"And what exactly is going to happen?" Ethan asks. It must feel terrible for him not knowing something. "Tonight we'll divide all of you in two teams to play capture the flag. This is a tradition on the Dauntless faction, so pay attention to the rules." He pauses to make sure everyone is listening. "Each team will have an even mix of members, including Dauntless-born, transfers and us." He points to himself and then to Lauren and Eric. "One team will get off first and find a place to hide their flag. Then the second team will get off and do the same."
"What's the price?" Ethan shouts.
"There's no price you're idiot. We're not Erudite." Owen answers him back. Both Four and Lauren smile approving Owen's answer, but not Eric. "Let's just chose our teams. Transfers first, in case you don't remember." "Do the honors." Says Four. He looks at all of us. "Ethan." I wonder how he knows our names. "Is." Four says, not one second after Eric chose. "Emmett." My heart falls to the ground; Emmett is on Eric's team.
They keep on choosing and I get to stay with Liz, Andrew and Owen. Maeve, Lucas and Lara stayed on Eric's team. But we got Lauren too, as Eric was the first one to pick. Our team is the first one to hide the flag, but I'm not excited to play if I'll have to do it against Emmett and Maeve. I glance at her, she doesn't look happy either, worse, she looks scared. But why's that, I mean she's with Eric. I thought she would like that.
My team stands up. I squeeze Emmett's hand before I stand up from his lap – literally. The car is so full we're all really close together if we all want to sit. As soon as we're out of the train Owen comes to me. "Excited?" He asks. I sigh. "Not really. I'm not good at games." Oh, c'mon Is! Emmett had is revenge this afternoon. Is time for you to have yours! Let's beat them!" I think of his words and then get my paintball gun ready to shoot. "Let's do it!"
I look at my team. We can win. We have Four, Lauren and Owen. Liz is smart. And I don't know about the other Dauntless-born initiates but they must be good. I smile to myself. This is my chance to see Ethan's face after a double revenge.
A/N: Okay, chapters are going to get longer, sorry, but feel free to blame on my teachers. Tell me if you like it please, it would mean a lot. And it would be like a birthday present, because I spent it working on it (while I wasn't at school). Oh, and this fanfail already has a ship: Emmettbelle! I know - who the hell would give themselves the effort to give this crap a name, right? I'm as admired as you are. But thank you so much to the person who told me! So thank you all for the reviews and I want to know who else ships Emmettbelle! (: