I wake up gasping, my lungs devoid of all air, my heart racing. My eyes dart around the room, finally coming to a stop in front of me, resting on Tori's face. Slowly, she opens her eyes and gazes back at me, her eyes appearing to see much more than my face.
"Wait here," is all she says before hurrying out the door. As If I have any other choice but to stay.
"Anywhere but here." Abnegation. My home. Anywhere but home. Me, the Abnegation role model, is selfish enough to leave. I have to escape. I have no other choice. Tori comes back in, closing the door firmly behind her.
"Kathleen, your not like most cases," Tori begins, why am I not surprised. Everyone will expect me to stay here in Abnegation, not transfer. I'm not a traitor. Or am I? I inhale slowly, but seem to forget to exhale.
"You're Divergent." My breath comes out as a gasp, my plain eyes widening. Me? Divergent? I force myself to look up and meet Tori's gaze, my eyes plainly revealing my shock.
"I know, you were probably expecting Abnegation, from what I hear your some sort of Abnegation role model, all the Abnegation parents want their children to be as selfless and proper as you." I should be selfless, deny it, but my mind is too far lost to respond, and I know what she says is true, everyone tells me that.
"Your test is supposed to rule out all but one faction, but your test was only capable of ruling out one, Candor." I knew I wasn't Candor. I lie to easily. My whole life has been a lie.
"So..." I can't think, my mind is too busy trying to comprehend what Tori is saying.
"You have an aptitude for Amity, Dauntless, Erudite... and Abnegation." An aptitude for Abnegation. My option to stay still stands. I could still choose to remain here. No, I can't. Staying is no longer an option. I must leave. I'd rather be a traitor than remain in Abnegation.
"I know the rules say don't discuss your results, but this applies even more so for Divergents. Divergence is dangerous, no one can know, understand?" The look she has is piercing, a true dauntless glare.
"Yes ma'am, I understand." Ugh, I inwardly groan at my own response, little miss Abnegation, respectful and proper.
"I'm going to manually enter your result as Abnegation so-"
"No!" I cut her off, "No, put me in as Erudite." Tori stands there watching, observing me for a moment before continuing.
"Very well, if that is what you wish, I will enter you in as aptitude for Erudite."
"Thank you." Back to little miss Abnegation.
"I suggest you go straight home from here, so fewer people have the chance to ask questions. If they do, tell them you got sick and had to leave."
"Yes ma'am," I say, already heading towards the door.
"Kathleen," I hear Tori call softly. I turn around and face her.
"Yes?" My eyes meet hers, and hers soften.
"Be careful. It's a dangerous world out there for Divergents." I stand there dumbfounded, watching her retreating figure. I turn around and exit the building, beginning the walk home.