Quotes by Veronica Roth

I have something I need to tell you, he says. I run my fingers along the tendons in his hands and look back at him. I might be in love with you. He smiles a little. Im waiting until Im sure to tell you, though.Thats sensible of you, I say, smiling too. We should find some paper so you can make a list or a chart or something.I feel his laughter against my side, his nose sliding along my jaw, his lips pressing my ear.Maybe Im already sure, he says, and I just dont want to frighten you.I laugh a little. Then you should know better.Fine, he says. Then I love you.

Then I realize what it is. Its him. Something about him makes me feel like I am about to fall. Or turn to liquid. Or burst into flames.

I fell in love with him. But I dont just stay with him by default as if theres no one else available to me. I stay with him because I choose to, every day that I wake up, every day that we fight or lie to each other or disappoint each other. I choose him over and over again, and he chooses me.

I wonder if fears ever really go away, or if they just lose their power over us.

I belong to the people I love, and they belong to me--they, and the love and loyaty I give them, form my identity far more than any word or group ever could.

Okay. Then...I can talk. Ask me something.Okay. He laughs shakily in my ear. Why is your heart racing Tris?I cringe and say, Well, I...I barely know you. I barely know you and Im crammed up against you in a box, Four, what do you think?...Maybe you were cut out for Candor, he says, because youre a terrible liar.

Yeah, well, I say, I left Abnegation because I wasnt selfless enough, no matter how hard I tried to be.Thats not entirely true. He smiles at me. That girl who let someone throw knives at her to spare a friend, who hit my dad with a belt to protect me-that selfless girl, thats not you?...Youve been paying close attention, havent you?I like to observe people/Maybe you were cut out for Candor, Four, because youre a terrible liar.

But when I do feel all the strength go out of me, and I fall to my knees beside the table and I think I cry, then, or at least I want to, and everything inside me screams for just one more kiss, one more word, one more glance, one more.

Fear doesnt shut you down; it wakes you up. Ive seen it. Its fascinating. He releases me but doesnt pull away, his hand grazing my jaw, my neck. Sometimes I just...want to see it again. Want to see you awake.

I love you I say.I love you, too he says. Ill see you soon.

Wait a second, Four says. I turn toward him, wondering which version of Four Ill see now-the one who scolds me, or the one who climbs Ferris wheels with me. He smiles a little, but the smile doesnt spread to his eyes, which look less tense and worried.You belong here, you know that? he says. You belong with us. Itll be over soon, so just hold on, okay?He scratches behind his ear and looks away, like hes embarrassed by what he said. I stare at him. I feel my heartbeat everywhere, even in my toes. I feel like doing something bold, but I could just as easily walk away. I am not sure which option is smarter, or better. I am not sure that I care.I reach out and take his hand. His fingers slide between mine. I cant breathe. I stare up at him, and he stares down at me. For a long moment, we stay that way. Then I pull my hand away and run after Uriah and Lynn and Marlene. Maybe now he thinks Im stupid, or strange. Maybe it was worth it.

I think youre still the only person sharp enough to sharpen someone like me.

We are not people who touch each other carelessly; every point of contact between us feels important, a rush of energy and relief.

Ill be your family now, he says. I love you, I say. (....)He stares at me. I wait with my hands clutching his arms for stability as he considers his response. He frowns at me. Say it again.Tobias, I say, I love you.

You will be the first test subject, Tobias. Beatrice, however.... She smiles. You are too injured to be of much use to me, so your execution will occur at the conclusion of this meeting.I try to hide the shudder that goes through me at the word execution, my shoulder screaming with pain, and look up at Tobias. Its hard to blink tears back when I see the terror in Tobiass wide, dark eyes.No, says Tobias. His voice trembles, but his look stern as he shakes his head. I would rather die.Im afraid you dont have much of a choice in that matter, replies Jeanine lightly.Tobias takes my face in this hands roughly and kisses me, the pressure of his lips pushing mine apart. I forget my pain and the terror of approaching death and for a moment, I am grateful that the memory of that kiss will be fresh in my mind as I meet my end.

I regret... Tobias tilts his head, and sighs. I regret my choice.What Choice?, and... I felt like maybe I could make something more of my decision.

Eric called Als suicide brave, and he was wrong. My mothers death was brave. I remember how calm she was, how determined. It isnt just brave that she died for me; it is brave that she did it without announcing it, without hesitation, and without appearing to consider another option.

I feel like myself, strong and weak at once - allowed, at least for a little while, to be both.

No matter how long you train someone to be brave, you never know if they are or not until something real happens.

One ChoiceOne Choice, decided your friends.One Choice, defines your beliefs.One Choice, determines your loyalties - Forever.ONCE CHOICE CAN TRANSFORM YOU