The Selfless and the Brave

The whole day had gone by slow. Matt kept trying to talk to me but I couldn't be bothered to hold up a conversation with him, all I could think about was that Stiff, what was his name again? Alex. Yeah, that’s it. Alex.

Finally the lunch bell rang and I went into the cafeteria. Matt wasn't with me, that’s a first. He was probably with his other friends. I didn't mind when he sat with them, I just didn't like sitting with them. They annoyed me and I’m pretty sure they’re were Matt got his hatred for Abnegations.

I was eating my food and just thinking about Alex. Why is he a mute? Why did he swear? I don’t think I've ever heard, er seen, a Stiff swear before. It shocked me in all honesty. Is that why I've been thinking about him all day? Yeah, that must be the reason. I then heard Matt’s voice, it sounded like he was yelling at someone.

“Make a sound, dammit!”

Alex.

I quickly stood up and started to push through the crowd calling out for him. I knew he wouldn't answer and I was probably being an idiot for even trying. People just don’t seem to want to move out of the way. When I finally got through the crowd I saw Alex on the ground, bleeding and he already had bruises forming. I looked Matt and his friends that were standing around Alex.

“Look at that, he passed out.”

Matt’s words made me wan to punch him, and when his friends started to laugh I felt myself snap. I shot over to Matt and grabbed him by the front of his shirt, pulling him so that we were face-to-face.

“What the fuck Matt?! Why the hell did you do this to him? What did he ever do to you?”

Matt looked completely shocked, like he didn't understand why I was so upset. I pushed him away, making him stumble to try and not fall over. The shock on his face soon turned to anger.

“What the hell are you doing Jack? He’s just a stupid, mute Stiff. Who cares?”

“I do! No one deserves this. God Matt I knew you didn't like Abnegation but doing something like this? You don‘t even know him yet you hate him so much. You've never done something this bad to any of the others!”

I turned towards Alex, gently picked him up so that I was carrying him bridal style, and started walking to the infirmary. That’s when Matt grabbed my arm, making me stop and look at him.

“You seriously don’t know why I hate him so much? Are you that blind Jack? You say I don‘t know him, but you don’t either! Plus you've never tried to stop me from picking on other Stiff‘s! Come on we've been friends for years, and this Stiff, what is he to you? ”

I couldn't answer that, mostly because I didn't know the answer myself. I pulled my arm from him then shot out of the cafeteria and down the hallway. When I got to the infirmary one of the nurses lead me to a bed and had me set Alex down. She said I could take a seat but I couldn't sit still, so I start to pace.

The nurse looked over Alex then told me that he would be okay soon enough and asked what happened. I told her everything I knew and saw.

“It’s very strange to see a Dauntless help out a Abnegation, and go against one of his friends to do so.”

I just shrugged and looked away. I knew it was weird, normally I wouldn't care, but Alex was different. Why is he so different? I hope he will be alright. I moved over to the side of his bed and moved a strand of hair from his face.

I felt shock go through me and pulled my hand back. I looked around and sighed in relief when I realized the nurse wasn't around to see what I had just done.

God Jack, what is this boy doing to you?

Notes

Hey everyone! Hope you like this chapter! I got really nervous updating this chapter because it kept feeling like something was off or I wasn't writing it correctly. I'm not sure, just a feeling in the pit of my stomach. Anyways, hope you like it! Thank you for all the great comments and please keep them coming! Remember to subscribe and vote! Also thank you so much to everyone who is reading our story. -altlover :)