A/N: Hi everyone, this is the sequel to my story Emergence! I would highly recommend you read that one before you read this one. Don't worry, this story will still be here when you get back :)
Refulgence: A radiant or resplendent quality or state; brilliance.
(Tris)
My baby is laughing. I can hear it from thirty yards away, through a window and a screen of bushes, and it's a beautiful sound on a mid October morning in Niagara Falls. I step out of our cottage and find him pointing at a butterfly.
"See, mama," he vocalizes.
"Yes baby, I see," I smile. Annie gives chase to the butterfly, and Daxton collapses into giggles again.
I pick him up and walk towards the edge of the lake. With winter's approach, it will freeze over again, but for now the water is warm and welcoming as it laps at my toes and the sun shines down.
I hear the cottage door open and turn to see Tobias striding towards us.
"You two ready?" He asks. Daxton reaches for his father, and Tobias takes him.
"Yup," I say, and look around. "Until next time, beautiful haven."
Tobias smiles, placing a hand on my back, and we walk to our car, beginning our commute back to Chicago.
...
Just before we enter the city, it starts pouring rain, pounding on the roof of our car like the end of the world is at hand. Daxton is asleep, thankfully. He's terrified of storms.
It seems silly, but a part of me didn't realize before he was born that he would be his own person, with likes and dislikes and a personality. But he loves dogs and avocados and listening to music in the car, his small body moving with impressive enthusiasm within the confines of his car seat. At a year old, he's started walking and stringing words together, and it is both liberating and terrifying to see my child navigating this world with some measure of independence. He looks like Tobias. I love him more than anything.
"Hello Mr. Eaton. Mrs. Eaton. Baby Eaton," one of the Dauntless guards smiles as we drive through the gates.
"Hi. How are things?" I smile back.
"Better every day."
It's true. Things in general keep getting better and better for the city. Most recently, the Factionless are all moving into real homes. I glance at Tobias and smile again. He doesn't admit it, but so much of this is because of him and the work he's done. I know it's hard for him to leave his family to go to such a demanding, consuming job. "It's like I have two kids," he always says. "Dax and the city." We both know it's worth it.
...
(Christina)
I step out of the elevator and nearly collide with Tris in the lobby.
"Hey, you're home!" I exclaim, hugging her.
I see Dax grinning from Tobias's arms and say, "Give me that baby." I spin him around and kiss his cheek before handing him back. "I'll see you guys in a little while, I'm a caffeine dependent life form," I dance away from them and enter the lobby café.
I order my coffee and see Uriah walk in. My throat constricts. I can never quite pin down what it is he makes me feel. Fear? Longing? A mix of both, I decide, and smile as he approaches me.
"Hey you," he says, rubbing my arm. He looks at the barista. "I'll have an iced coffee."
"Hey," I reply.
"What are you doing today?"
"Not much," I swallow. His hand hasn't left my arm, and fear is pounding in my chest. Along with the longing. It's all very confusing.
"How are you feeling?" He asks. "Did you talk to Miss..." he trails off when he sees my face.
I've been seeing a therapist, mostly because I've finally come to terms with the deaths of both Will and Matthew, and I need to work through my feelings because I, in fact, am a living human being, as much as I would like to convince myself that nothing hurts me. Even still, I don't like to talk about therapy or admit to others that I need help.
"Don't do that," I order quietly. "It's not fair."
"I'm not," he says, shaking his head, recovering. "I'm not."
"Uriah, just-"
"You look really good, Christina."
Just like that, he's back to himself, and this whole thing is so surreal I almost smile. "Shut up," I say, trying to mean it.
"What? You do." As if he's got some sixth sense for nearly breaking me, Uriah grins. "I'll see you later," he says then, and if I didn't know better, I'd think it was a promise.
...
(Tris)
Tobias comes down with the flu the next day, and I take Dax out with me so we can pick up medicine. In the parking lot, we run into Amar.
"Tris!" He exclaims. "Where's Tobias?" He looks urgent.
"Sick."
"What?! He can't be sick! Not now! No!" Amar is near tears.
"Hey, relax! What's going on?"
"I have to talk to Tobias," he heaves. "Keep that baby safe."
"Excuse me?" I state. He starts walking toward the building. "Amar, if you take one more step in that direction I will break your legs. Tell me what's going on. Tobias isn't going anywhere."
"Tris, a new leader has been selected for the Erudite. He wants to test all children for divergence."
My throat feels like it's in a fist. I hold Daxton tighter.
"Why?"
"I don't know, you see, which is why I need to talk to-"
"No. I'll talk to him. Just give me until tonight."
He frowns. "Alright. I'll be by at 9 o clock."
I get into my car and drive towards my parents' home, furious.
...
A/N: Please review!