Dangerous Love

Chapter 21: Fair Trial

My feet are light and quick to keep up with Eric's smooth long strides. I notice how little space there is between our bodies, we're so close that sometimes our hands or shoulders graze against each other. The halls are mostly empty despite it being almost dinner time, Eric and I filled time throughout the day talking, just talking about our lives. I never took Eric to be the type of guy to sit down and talk for hours yet we still did. The only thing I knew about him was that he was an Erudite transfer, and the only thing he knew about me was that I was a former Amity. That quickly changed as we spent the whole day talking about our pasts and he gave me a long list of things I could be qualified to be in Dauntless, the pros and cons and I'm now leaning towards patrol officer.

Once we enter the cafeteria all eyes are on us, I can tell some see the close proximity of Eric and I while others keep their eyes on my bandaged wrists or Eric's wrapped knuckles. I suddenly feel myself become glued to the spot I stand, that is until Eric's hand presses gently against my back leading us to the line. Whispers are heard throughout the room and I catch onto a few, some talk about Nate, others Eric, yet all somehow circle around me which is the worst part.

Silence falls over the cafeteria but this time it's because Max stands on the balcony, hands gripping the ledge and a solemn look on his face.
"Good evening everyone," he begins his voice booming throughout the cafeteria, "I would like to ask all of you to stay after dinner so we can decide the fate of Nate Trenton. Thank you." Voices erupt in the cafeteria and I look up at Eric who's starring forward, jaw clenched tightly.
"Eric what does he mean?" I question nervously looking up at him.

Eric grabs a tray and places it in front of Big Mama who drops some chicken on his plate, "When someone commits a crime in Dauntless," he turns to me his face strict, "The people decide what to do with them."
"What? but that's unfair what if the people don't like the person they're convicting? What are the different types of punishments?" my voice croaks as Eric guides me to my table.

"They can chose whatever punishment they want, but since Nate was Amity only two weeks ago I'm surprised they're not sending him to Candor for a fair trial, that's usually what they do when other Factions are involved and I don't think the Amity are going to like it when they find out that we're convicting there former members," Eric explains and looks down at me while I absorb all of the information.
"So if they want, they could kill him?" I squeak and think of Nate's four younger siblings all huddled by a casket.

"If the Dauntless really wanted to yes," he says quietly as we stop next to my table.
"Mercer," Eric says softly and I meet his eyes which are analyzing my own, "I need you to tell me what you want. I may be able to convince the leaders otherwise."
"I-I just don't want him to die," I whisper starring at my pile of food on the cold metal tray.
"I'll do what I can," he whispers before leaning back on his heals and leaving to go sit at the leaders table.

Turning towards my table I slide one leg in and wedge myself between Sasha and Cat.
"What the hell happened and what's going on with Nate!?" Sasha practically shouts and all the Amity go quiet to hear what I'm about to say. I slowly scan the entire table, everyone's eyes are glued to me and I swallow the thump that was forming in my throat, "Uh um last... last night he took me to a room, and locked me in there until I would agree to leave with him."
"What so like he... kidnapped you?" Sasha asks while the transfers turn to each other giving off all different kinds of looks.
"Yeah I guess that's what they've been calling it," I mumble while poking at my chicken.
"Were you there the whole day?" Cat asks from next to me.
"No I got out this morning," I say and shove some food in my mouth.
"So what have you been doing all day?" Louis asks. I know they're just curious and not trying to find out that I was making out with our instructor all day so I calm myself down a bit before answering.