Roots

Chapter 13: Red

(I am skipping the first day of fight training)

I walk into the training room and look at the board;

Tris-Peter
Christina-Will
Al-Edward
Molly-Myra
Drew-No Fight

Yes! I'm fighting Peter.

Yesterday I didn't show what I could do. I could've probably knocked the bag off but instead I hit the lightest I could making it stay still. He has no idea what's coming.

Four enters the training room after me, we're in here alone. Back in abnegation, us two being alone in a room during the day was a fantasy- only happening once.

Now I couldn't wait for more people to arrive.

And they do. In walks Eric bringing the tense atmosphere with him. He glances at the board, I know he made the pairings.

He thinks that I'm going to be pumbled by Peter, nice joke.

I'm ready.

Soon, all my friends enter as well. 

"That jerk!" Christina exclaims as soon as she is out of Eric's earshot.

"What?" I question. "I mean he is a jerk, we all know that, but what specific act of being a jerk are you referring to?"

"He wants Peter to hurt you. Peter is twice your size for god's sake!"

"And he put me with Will," she adds through clenched teeth.

"I don't mind Chris. And I'm sorry about your pairing."

She sighs. "Just try not to get too hurt, promise?"

She holds out her pinky.

"Promise," I confirm, making the pinky promise.

"First fight- Tris V Peter," Four announces.

I have the perfect technique for winning this fight, fuel myself with anger.

And the source of my anger just called me into the ring.

"You look like you're going to cry, stiff." Peter taunts. "I'll go easy on you if you cry."

I nail him in the throat, making him gasp for breath.

He swings.

I love you, Bea.

I duck.

I couldn't live without you.

I kick him.

The crunch is heard in his ribs.

I will always wait for you.

I see red.

You're my one and only.

I kick and punch and kick and punch.

Someday we'll get married.

At one point I give him a bloody nose.

You are my lifeline.

He is in a ball on the floor, pathetic and worthless.

Someday we'll be free.

I keep going because all I see is

Red.