Thanks for the review Amztizzle! I'll be sure to update as much as I can. I've been having a few bouts of writer's block but now I'm more determined to overcome it and keep on writing.
Anyways, I own nothing related to Divergent. I only own my own characters. Italicized parts are flashbacks. For the sake of my sanity I sped up the process but I will flashback to some Jeanine and Ramona small moments. Oh, and I'm taking a couple of liberties with the story cause right now this is my world and my world alone.
"I told you to go to Abnegation, that you would be safe there." Tori frantically paced the room as mismatched eyes followed her every move. "What the hell were you thinking?"
"I wasn't!" Ramona's sudden burst caught Tori by surprise. "I'm sorry. I was ready to commit myself to Abnegation but something happened. I don't know why I did it. I'm sorry."
Tori watched as Ramona nervously looked around the room. She was hiding something. "Ramona, you don't have to apologize. I'm sorry for my attitude, it's not your fault. I need to know though, what happened that made you pick Erudite?"
There was a suffocating silence in the room before Ramona looked at Tori with tears in her eyes. "I don't know. One moment I was putting my hand over the Abnegation bowl and the next I'm looking into Jeanine's eyes and she's calling out Erudite. I don't know what happened Tori but I'm scared."
The older woman stopped in her tracks. "Jeanine?"
"Tori I can't stop thinking about her. She's suffocating me and I'm scared because I live for the moments that I get to see her, even if just for a few seconds."
Ramona was trying hard to keep her emotions in check. "Mona…. Ramona look at me." Tori knelt down in front of the young girl. "You need to stay away from her Ramona. She's responsible for the death of other divergents. You're in danger. And these feelings? They're only going to put you into more danger. Please, promise me you'll stay away from her. For your safety."
Tori watched Ramona struggle with the promise. "Tori-"
"I promised your mother that I would keep you safe and I won't go until you promise me Ramona."
The mention of her mother made Ramona look up in pain. "I promise."
Ramona had stayed true to her word. Of course, she would see Jeanine from time to time but only for a few moments. It was easy to blend in, not draw attention upon herself. For two years Ramona had stayed in the shadows of her promise to Tori.
Today was a special day for her, her 18th birthday and the only day her family was allowed to visit her. She longed to hold her brother Kit, to see how much he had grown since the last time she had seen him.
"I hear today is your birthday." That voice chilled her and simultaneously caused a fire to shoot to her core.
Ramona turned towards the voice. Jeanine Matthews watched her with those gray watery eyes that had caused Ramona so much pain. "It is, yes."
Jeanine smiled. "Well, happy birthday Miss Mason. Why don't you go to my office after your celebrations? I took the liberty of getting you a small gift."
"Oh that's alright Miss Matthews, you don't have to." Her hands felt clammy.
"But I did. My office. I'll be waiting." She walked away without giving Ramona a chance to object.
Her knees almost gave out from a small body colliding into her. "Happy Birthday, Mona!" She looked down into familiar blue eyes full of innocence. "I missed you."
"Thanks Kit. I missed you too. Now, let me look at you. You've grown so much kid." He puffed out his small chest in pride.
"We could say the same for you Mona." Ramona looked at her parents. Her mother had not changed much since the last time she had seen her but her father had let his beard grow longer.
She let them engulf her and Kit into a group hug. "Ramona why don't you lead the way to your home? Kit needs a confined space where he can be let loose." Red gave Kit a small nudge.
"Hey! Not funny dad."
Ramona took Kit's clammy hand in hers and laughed. "Sure thing. Let's go, Remy has been waiting for today for an entire month. She's been cooking up a storm and getting things ready for you guys."
…..
For hours Freya, Red and Remy were entertained with stories from Kit. Ramona watched her small brother wave his arms around while her parents and best friend laughed on and on. Her mind had been occupied with thoughts of Jeanine.
She had no idea what her gift could be or even why she had gotten one. She thought about not showing up but it was just a fleeting thought, anyways, Jeanine would track her down.
Freya broke Ramona's trance with a clap of her hands. "Okay! It's getting late. We should go before Kit tuckers out on us."
"But mom!" At the mention of his name Kit pouted and stomped his foot. "I don't wanna go."
"Red?" Freya glanced at her husband and he got the message. He got up and picked Kit up, his skinny legs dangling. He was getting too big to get picked up.
"You heard your mom buddy, time to go."
"I'll go with you guys. I have to meet Miss Matthews in a bit." Kit's sweet face lit up with excitement of having his sister for a bit longer.
Remy and Freya shared a hug while making plans for Ramona's next birthday.
Kit fell asleep halfway back to the Erudite building.
"You've been distracted." Freya smirked knowingly.
Ramona sighed. "I was wondering when you were gonna hound me." Her father chuckled.
"What's wrong?" Her mother's caring voice made her heart ache.
"Nothing. It's just that Miss Matthews said she had a gift for me. No one gets gifts from her."
Red gasped, acting shocked. "It's a trap." His smirk giving him away. "Relax, she must think you have potential. You'll be fine."
"Your father is right Ramona." They got to their destination and stood there awkwardly. "Well, till next year I suppose. Be careful honey. We love you." She pulled Ramona in for a big hug.
"Love you too." Red pulled her to his side and kissed the top of her head. "Tell Kit I love him."
"You got it kiddo." She watched as they walked towards their ride back to Dauntless. It was time to face the woman she had desperately been avoiding for two years.
Okay! Not sure where exactly this is heading but I'm sure it'll be an interesting ride. Anyways, the next chapter should be up or it'll be up shortly.