Tris' POV
I run to the mailbox to check for the one piece of mail I have been awaiting eagerly. I applied to the University of Chicago a few months ago and bring the envelope inside. Tobias meets me near the front door.
"Is that what I think it is?" he asks in a deep voice and I hold up the envelope in excitement. Tobias recently graduated high school and I am set to graduate in a few months as well. He has been accepted to the University of Chicago in the Computer Science program as he realized that teaching dance isn't his real passion in life.
"Aren't you going to open it?"he questions me with an eyebrow raised. "Of course." I answer back with a smirk. My fingers fumble, trying to open it. I skim the words on the page before me. "I'm in!" I beam, bouncing on the balls or my feet before placing a kiss on his cheek.
I'm so excited to finish high school to devote my focus to the study of ballet. The University's program is one of the best Bachelor in Fine Arts programs with classes on technique, performance and preparation for professional ballet.
Three Months Later
Today is the day! We are driving to the University today to move into the dorm room we will share together. Our classes start next week so we have some time to settle in. I make sure to pack laundry soap, sandals, a first aid kit and other miscellaneous supplies I think we may need.
I've been living with Tobias practically since I returned home from treatment so his family owns the house and we will have it to return to during breaks from college. We finish loading the car and Tobias begins driving us.
It feels strange and a bit sad to be leaving home, where we both grew up but it's also exciting at the same time. I fall asleep during the drive and wake to Tobias telling me we are here. I grumble and help him carry things inside.
The dorm room is small with two twin beds, two dressers, two desks, a small TV, mini fridge and microwave. It seems odd to think that this is our new home but I hope it will feel more like it soon.
Watching the other students with their families dropping them off fills my body with an ache as I think about how my parents would have been. They should have been here. They should still be alive.
I sit on my bed alone as I think about how much I miss them, how much I would have wanted to change everything. My eyes cloud with tears as I think of how I may have helped cause their deaths and how my brother will never forgive me.
I look up as I feel a pair of strong arms wrap around me and notice that Tobias is sitting next to me. I lay my head on his lap as he runs his fingers through my hair. "Tell me what's wrong." he whispers.
"Seeing everyone else with their families today when I don't have my parents anymore. I feel like I killed them!" I sob, sending tears down my face as he wipes them away with his thumb.
"Tris, I'm so sorry for what happened to them but it was not your fault. I know how much you wish they were here but I know they would have wanted you to continue living your life and be happy." he replies softly.
"And someday, if you want, we can build our own family together." he adds with a small smile. "Please don't leave me." I plead, staring straight up at him. "I would never. I'll never let you go. You're stuck with me." he says which makes me laugh a bit.
"There's no one I would rather be stuck with." I chuckle before he pulls me back up into a sitting position and our lips meet in a long, deep kiss that leaves me feeling his warmth and wanting more.
In the morning, we visit a nearby coffee shop for breakfast and compare our schedules with each other. This semester, I'm taking Contemporary Dance I, Ballet Performance I and Dance History. Tobias is taking Computer Science I, Intro to Computer Programming and College Algebra.
I have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays while he has classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays so it might be tough for us to find time with each other. Luckily, Will and Christina are here as well in an adjacent dorm and I can spend time with Christina as we will be taking classes together.
That night, we watch a movie together in our room and cuddle on the bed while we do so that my head is on his chest while he's laying on the bed. I listen to the sound of his heartbeat and fall asleep, feeling calm and peaceful.
I wake in the morning alone, feeling rested and ready to prepare for classes. We still have to get our books from the bookstore before the semester begins. We walk out with heavy armfuls of books to carry and I buy the required clothing I'll need for ballet class here.
As we head out of the bookstore and back to the dorms, I see a familiar face that makes my stomach churn. Grown but with a face that is easily recognizable, it's hard to not remember him as I turn white as a ghost when I see him.
Tobias notices and glares at him intently as we both recognize who it is. It's Peter.