Hey, so here's the follow up story/sequel thing. Hope you enjoy!
I hear a loud banging on the door. Who can it be? I walk up to the door and unlock it slowly. As the door creaks open, I peer out to see who is knocking.
"Tris!" cries out my best friend Christina. I open the door fully and shut it as she steps inside Tobias' and my apartment.
"What is it, Chris?" I ask with a chuckle. "You scared me there!"
"Oops, sorry!" Christina apologises. "I have exciting news!"
"What is it?" I question curiously. Christina hasn't been this happy since… since from before Will, her late boyfriend, died.
"I found the perfect location for your wedding Tris!" she bursts out excitedly.
My features mold into a wide smile, thinking about my fiancé. I really can't wait to be Mrs. Tobias Eaton! "That's amazing Chris! I can't thank you enough for being my maid of honor," I say sincerely.
Christina envelopes me with her arms, squeezing me. "No problem," she whispers.
I hug her back just as tight. Chris is always there for me. As much as I love Tobias, there are still times when he goes on 'instructor-Four' mode and I get upset. I always go to Christina and she helps us get through it every time, fast enough that we fall asleep cuddled next to each other before midnight. She is definitely the best friend a girl can ask for.
We slowly pull away from the hug and Christina questions, "when's Four getting home? I wanna show you guys the place!"
"He should be here s-"
The door opens again and Tobias walks in, almost bumping into Chris. "Oh, hi there Christina." He walks two steps to me, gives me a soft kiss on the cheek and says in a low voice, "hello my love."
"Hi Toby," I reply quietly, resting my head on his shoulder.
"Hey, Four!" Christina says cheerfully. "I found this great place for you and Tris to get married. You guys are going to love it!"
Tobias looks at me and I nod my head. He smiles at Christina and replies, "We would love to- when do you want to go?"
"Umm… is now good?"
I smile at my best friend and say, "we just need to change and then we can go." I refuse to leave in the sweats and t-shirt I am wearing. And why would Tobias go in a suit? Maybe a dress shirt, but a suit would be too dressy. He'd just returned from an interview to be the principal at the school I worked at.
Tobias takes my hand and we head into the bedroom. I'm getting a lot better with my fear of intimacy; now it's almost nonexistent. I don't have to shy away from Tobias, I know he will never hurt me. He is the best fiancé a girl could have.
A few minutes later, I am in a pair of black leggings, light blue tank-top, a black leather jacket, and blue converse high-tops. Tobias enters the hall in a light blue sweatshirt, dark jeans, and murky blue vans. He wraps his arm around my waist and we walk the few steps to Christina.
"Awe! You match, cute!" cooes Christina.
I blush slightly and Tobias smiles at me.
"You two are so cute together. Let's go before visiting hours close!" Christina commands.
"Visiting hours? Is it a hospital or something!?" I exclaim, giving Christina a questioning look.
She rolls her eyes. "C'mon! You'll see!"
"O-kaay..." I say warily. Tobias and I walk behind Christina as she takes off into the streets. After walking for about fifteen minutes, there seem to be less buildings and more trees.
Soon, there's no more sidewalk and Christina leads us onto dewy green grass.
"Uhh… Where are we going, Chris?" I ask unsurely.
"You'll see. Just be patient, Tris," she tells me.
"We're here!" Christina says finally, stopping in front of a sign, after a few minutes of walking through the meadow, reading Beautiful Gardens. Under, in smaller writing it said: For any event: birthday, anniversary, wedding… you name it we can do it!
"This seems nice," I allow. I don't want to get my hopes up too high in case it's not what I want. "Let's see."
Christina leads us through lush green gardens that make me think of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which I will be teaching to my class in a few weeks. A few yards away is a small, brown hut. Walking up the steps, Christina opens up the freshly painted tan door, which makes a creaking sound.
"Hello, how may I help you?" I look up to see a dark haired woman with vivid green eyes, crinkled from her bright smile. She comes up to us warmly. "Hi, Linda! This is Tris and Tobias. Guys, this is Linda, the owner of the place," Christina introduces.
"Hi," Tobias greets.
"Nice to meet you," I finish.
"Now I hear you guys are looking for a place to hold your wedding? We have a small place for the ceremony itself and a clearing for the reception," Linda recites, smiling widely. Tobias squeezes my hand and I look up at him, giving him a brief grin, squeezing his hand back.
"Could we see it?" Tobias inquires.
"Sure! Right this way," says Linda, gesturing to the door.
Tobias and I follow her, our hands still intertwined, while Christina follows behind us excitedly.
"It's about thirty yards away," Linda informs. She leads us to a smaller meadow sprinkled with roses and lilies. The grass is the greenest I have ever seen- I didn't know such a beautiful place could exist so close to the city. A few stray butterflies roam the area, flying from flower to flower. I smile at the beautiful sight. I definitely want my wedding here.
"It's so beautiful," I compliment.
"Very nice," Tobias agrees.
"I'll give you guys a few minutes to look the place over," Linda says, going back in the direction of the hut.
As she walks away, I smile at Tobias. "I love this place," I tell him.
"It's really nice. I think we should get married here," he states.
"I agree."
"I love you, Tris," he says, giving me a small peck on the lips.
"I love you too, Tobias," I reply, smiling.
"So…" Christina prompts, hopping over to me and Tobias. She left while we were talking, to give us some privacy, I guess.
"Thank you so much, Chris," I say.
"YAY! YOU LIKE IT! I'M SO HAPPY! I mean, I knew it when I first saw it, but… well yeah." She squeals happily, crashing into us with a hug.
I almost lose my balance from the force of Christina's hug, but Tobias steadies me with his free hand, keeping me from falling over.
Then, Linda comes back, a brochure in her hand. "So, do you like it?" she asks warmly.
"Yes. We love it," I tell her happily.
"That's great!" she says. Then, a frown comes up on her smiling face. "Unfortunately, the computer isn't working. This area is very secluded, as you can tell, and the internet acts up sometimes. And right now is one of those times...," Linda says, sounding much more formal than before.
I frown slightly, but brush it off and put a smile on my face. "It's alright. When can we come back?" I inquire.
"I'm not sure. Here," she gives us the brochure. "You can call us at our main building, which is in California. They can book it here for you."
"Thanks," Tobias says.
"Of course. I'll lead you back to the front," she says, starting to walk back to the hut.
We walk back home, smiling happily. Even though nothing's set in stone yet, I know it will all work out.
Next Chapter~
I can't find Tobias. I am getting really worried. He said he'd be home by five so we could try out some wedding cake, but it's already six-thirty and there is no sign of Tobias. I don't even care about the cake; I just hope he is alright.
This is seriously starting to freak me out. I'm scared that there is something wrong.
I take out my phone in hopes of at least a text, but nothing is there. I decide to go to Christina's, so she can help me find him. Walking out of the door, I nervously plod over to Chris' apartment. She opens the door, concerned upon seeing my panicked face.
"What's wrong Tris?" she asks.
"Tobias isn't home yet… he should have been back over two hours ago…"
"Don't worry, I'm sure he'll be home soon. He was probably talking to a student and lost track of time. It's rush hour, there's a lot of traffic. You know how slow the buses are," Christina comforts.
I feel a buzz from my jeans and take out my phone, hoping it's Tobias.
"Hello?"
"Hello, is this Beatrice Prior?" asks a gruff voice.
"Yes," I say uncertainly. "Who's this?"
"I am calling from the Chicago Hospital. You are Mr. Tobias Eaton's emergency contact in his identification forms, is this correct?" he asks.
"Yes, I am. Is he okay?" I ask, panicking again.
I hear him hesitate. "Well… You need to come to the hospital for more information, ma'am."
"I'll be there in a few minutes," I interrupt, hanging up. I look at Christina. "Tobias is in the hospital. Can you drive me? I'm too jittery to drive."
"What are you talking about? Neither of us have a car… Plus, it's rush hour, so… C'mon, let's walk to the hospital," Christina looks almost as worried as I feel. She guides me along the streets to the hospital quietly.
Soon, but not soon enough, we reach the hospital and I all but run into the building. I slow myself down and walk briskly towards the front desk.
"How may I help you?" asks a lady.
"Can I see Tobias Eaton?"
"Relation?" She looks up expectantly.
"I'm his fiancé."
"I'm sorry, only family is allowed."
"I am his family!" I snap.
"So you are saying he has no living relatives?" she asks calmly.
"Yes," I say, gritting my teeth to keep me from yelling.
"Let me look it up." She types something on her computer and then looks back at me. "Are you Tris Prior?"
"Yes," I respond, trying to stay calm.
"He is in room 309," she tells me. I all but run to the stairs, too impatient for the elevator. I am so scared that something happened to Tobias.
When I reach room 309, a doctor is coming out. "Is Tobias Eaton in there?" I question.
"Who are you?" the doctor asks.
"I'm Beatrice Prior, his emergency contact," I tell him, hoping that is enough.
"Dr. Green," he says politely. "I am Mr. Eaton's doctor. Would you like to come into my office and we could discuss Mr. Eaton's situation?"
I nod shakily and follow Dr. Green.
Once we reach his little office, I sink into one of the chairs, scared for what I'm about to hear.
"Well, Mr. Eaton is in a coma. He hit his head pretty hard during a car crash. The driver is dead, unfortunately. Other than the coma, he broke his wrist and bruised his chest badly," he finishes in a business like tone.
I can't believe this… Tobias is in a coma… this cannot be true…
"Would you like to see him?" Dr. Green asks kindly.
I nod my head numbly and follow the doctor.
Dr. Green leads me back to room 309. Inside, I see my love, Tobias, on a bed, a clear tube under his nose and an IV drip in his arm. His eyes are closed, making his face look young and at peace. My knees shake, tears threatening to spill. I feel so horrible for him. Tobias is the strongest person I know; I can't comprehend seeing him like this, in a hospital room with all these machines.
My trembling hands reach up to stroke his hair. My poor poor Tobias. I stay silent, leaning on the edge of the bed, in hope that he will wake in my presence.
I do not notice the time for what it is. What feels like minutes was hours in Tobias' presence. Soon a nurse comes in telling me I have to go because visiting hours are over. I do not rebel, I no longer feel like the brave Divergent I should be. I know I am stronger than this. I have gone through too much to be able to stand without Tobias by my side. My heart is aching for Tobias…
I spend the next few days visiting Tobias as much as I can. The doctors say that talking to him might help him heal faster, so I blabber about anything and everything.
The days pass blandly. I'm here twenty four seven, minus the time I need to eat and shower. It has been nineteen days since the crash. Feeling as miserable as ever, I finally let a tear slip; the first one of the day. I lean my head on Tobias' chest, trying to find comfort in the weak, but constant 'thump' of his heart. It's a little hard to concentrate since the tears are flowing so rapidly.
"Please wake up Tobias," I beg, sobbing and vulnerable. I can't lose Tobias now. Not after all we have been through.
Suddenly, I hear a loud beep, jolting me off of Tobias' chest. Dr. Green rushes in, starting some medical check-up. A nurse pushes me out of the room. I can do nothing but stare at Tobias from the other side of the window.
Another nurse comes up to Tobias.
Is it minutes? What seemed like hours later, Dr. Green comes out, a small smile on his face. "He's awake."
I all but run to Tobias.
"Tris?" A low, drowsy voice says.
"T-t-t-tobias?" I look up and see him, smiling weakly at me. Instantly, I feel relieved. Tobias is awake and okay.
Walking slowly, I reach his bed. "Tobias," I say shakily, giving him a small smile.
"Are you okay?" he asks concerned.
"I should be asking you!" I scold him slightly. "You're the one who was in a coma for three weeks!"
"I'm sorry Tris… I- I wish you didn't have to go through that. He holds out his arms and I let my petite frame collapse into him, the waterworks starting once again.
"I missed you," I say, in between sniffles.
"Shh… it's okay, Tris. I'm right here and I'll be alright. Shh…" he comforts, rubbing my back soothingly.
"I love you, Tobias."
"I love you too, my Tris." He pushes me gently so he can wipe my tears away softly with his thumbs. "I'm right here, honey. It's okay."
"Please don't leave me like that ever again…"
"I'll try, Tris," he promises.
A nurse comes in to run a few tests. He promises that I'll have Tobias back as soon as possible. With that comfort, I leave, allowing him to assess Tobias' condition.
No longer than twenty minutes later, I am allowed back by Tobias' side.
"Well, Miss. Prior, Mr. Eaton seems to be very well for his condition. He will be called back every week for a while to run a few tests, just in case. Make sure he doesn't exhaust himself too much and he is not allowed to go to work for another three weeks. Other than that, you might be able to take him home tomorrow afternoon," the nurse instructs.
I gasp, smiling. "Really?"
"Really," says the voice of the man I love.
I turn to Tobias. "I am so glad you will be home again."
"Me too, Tris, me too," he rasps in my ear, holding me close once again. His arms don't hold on as tight as they used to, but I can't find it in myself to mind. He's awake!
The rest of the day flies by. I call all our friends to tell them Tobias is okay and Tobias gets out of his hospital bed to start the minimal amount of physical therapy he needs to do to be up and running like before. Not moving for three weeks makes it hard to start walking again.
Luckily, Tobias is still really strong and he doesn't need much help, minus needing to use the bed handle to steady himself at first. He tells me it feels kinda strange, like he has pins and needles but he can walk normally.
While he's doing his therapy, walking around the hospital, I go home for a quick shower and grab him some clothes for when he gets release.
The next day, I wait patiently while a nurse checks Tobias' vitals. "So, when may he leave?" I ask her.
"In another hour or so," she says. "If you would like you can change into the clothes Tris brought for you last night."
"Thank you," he says to both me and the nurse.
She leaves and comes back with a plastic bag that has Tobias' clothing. He hands it to him and leaves me and Tobias. I help Tobias untie the hospital gown and take the clothing out of the bag for him to wear.
"Thanks," he grunts, while shrugging the gown off. He takes the shirt I give him and slips it over his head. I help him off the bed so he can put on the jeans I brought.
After he is ready, I comb my fingers through his hair to take away his slight bed-head. Once he is presentable, I hear a knock on the door. Outside is the nurse back with a wheelchair. "Hospital procedure," she simply states.
I nod, opening the door so the nurse can bring in the wheelchair. The nurse helps Tobias in the chair and hands me some forms. She explains the documents and I skim through them. After reminding me that Tobias shouldn't heavily exert himself, we leave, thanking the nurse.
I wheel Tobias to the silver BMW X5 Sport I rented, helping him into the passenger side. I wheel the chair to the rack. Then I go to the driver's side, buckle in, and drive us to our awaiting home in silence.
I hear soft snores as I park in the parking lot of the apartment complex, in front of our garage. I smile softly and unbuckle. I get out, walking to the other side of the car. It's a shame I can't carry him; he looks so serene that I don't want to wake him up.
Softly, I shake him, saying his name. He mumbles something I can't understand and his eyes open lazily.
"We're home, Toby," I whisper.
"We are?" He sluggishly unbuckles his seatbelt and I help him out of the car, closing the door behind him. Locking the door, I help him up to our room.
As I help him to our room he suddenly stops.
"Wait! How far is our wedding?" he asked, frowning.
"Three months on the dot, not including today… We'll postpone it if needed," I assure him.
"No!" Tobias snaps, a little harshly. Realizing, he winces. "Sorry…"
"It's okay," I tell him, rubbing his back gently.
"No, it's not," Tobias argues.
"Tobias, please get some rest? And then we can talk about it, once you're in bed."
"I don't need you babying me, Tris. I'm fine," he says roughly, pulling away. Tobias storms away as best as he can. I feel like curling up on the floor and crying, but I know he doesn't mean it. He just doesn't like being weak… right?
My knees flutter a little, but I shake the feeling off, being the Dauntless I was- the Dauntless I am.
I get a glass of water from the kitchen for Tobias to drink with his medication and make a meal the doctor recommended for Tobias. Putting it all on a tray, I go to our bedroom. Knocking on the door to announce my presence, I go inside. Tobias is on the bed, covered with the bedsheets. His back is turned away from me, but his unsteady breathing tells me he isn't asleep yet.
"Toby?" I say timidly. "I brought you your medication and food."
He turns to me. "I'm sorry, Tris. I- I just don't like being treated like I'm handicapped. I'm supposed to be your husband; not the weak person who needs someone to watch him at all times."
"Tobias…" I walk over to him, placing the tray on his bedside table. I sit on the edge of his bed and run my hand through his hair, soothing me as well as him. "That's the thing. We aren't Abnegation anymore. I can take care of myself, and it is my responsibility just as much as it is yours to make sure my fiancé is okay. Husband and wife is a partnership, a two-way stream. I have just as much right to take care of you as you do me. I know you don't like it, but you're going to have to deal with it. I love you Tobias," I finish strongly.
"I know Tris… it's just… hard… Plus, you would feel the same," Tobias challenges.
"That's probably true," I admit with a rough chuckle. "Take your pills, eat some food and rest. We can talk in the morning." I place a soft kiss on his cheek and get up, to make my own meal.
After I eat, I go back to Tobias and change into my pajamas. I brush my teeth and hair and crawl in, next to a sleeping Tobias. I snuggle next to his unconscious body, relishing the warmth, letting sleep over-come me.
Today is the day of our wedding. I will finally be Mrs. Tobias Eaton. I never thought of myself as one of those giggly girls who would get married from their own will, but here I am comma not period. In a white dress. Not the typical outfit an Abnegation would wear when getting married, or even the stereotypical Dauntless- something truly Chicago.
I had been sad to wake up to an empty bed, but immediately smiled when I'd realized why.
I take a deep breath and study myself in the mirror. I have a light shimmer accenting my blue eyes, making them even brighter. A little mascara is adorned on my lashes, making them noticeable. My lips shine from the glassy lip gloss Christina put on me. Christina smiles behind me.
"You like?" she asks.
I smile and reply, "I can't believe it's me."
"Well it is." She takes out a short veil and delicately places it on my head like a professional.
Soon, my brother appears next to me on the mirror. I am sitting to calm my shaking legs. He is behind me, his hands on my arms.
"You look beautiful, Beatrice," he compliments with a dazed smile.
I chuckle.
"Ready?" he asks.
I nod in reply, standing up with shaky knees.
Caleb holds out his arm and I grab it to help me stand up, my thoughts happy.
Christina worked super hard on making it the best it could be. She tried to make it as perfect as she could for me. Tobias and I would have been fine with a short and simple Abnegation ceremony, but then none of our friends would have been able to watch. In Abnegation, weddings aren't very crazy. We pretty much marry ourselves, the fire being our witness.
My dress is white and lacy, making me look like I actually have curves. It is kind of like Elsa's snow outfit from that ancient movie Frozen that my students made me watch. My hair is in an elegant braided bun; I've grown it since the war and now it is a little above my elbows when hanging straight.
I take a deep breath and delicately place my arm in the crook of Caleb's and we walk to the curtain separating us. On the other side is the long aisle that I have to cross to make it to Tobias- the man who will soon be my husband. I smile at that thought as Christina walks down the aisle gracefully, smiling. I wait another ten seconds before Caleb and I make our appearance. The first things I see are Tobias' silver eyes, devoted with love. A smile adorns his handsome face and I break into a smile automatically. It takes all of me not to walk faster than I'm supposed to.
After what feels like a thousand years, we make it to the end of the aisle.
Caleb places my hands gently in Tobias', murmuring a few words, but I'm barely paying attention.
He leaves to his seat next to Christina, who smiles up at him.
I look up into Tobias' eyes, which are overflowing with happiness and love. Mine are brimming with tears of joy.
The officiant starts talking, but I don't hear much of what he says, until it is time for the 'I do's".
"Do you take Beatrice Prior to be your wife?"
"I do," vowed Tobias seriously, placing the ring on my finger delicately.
"Beatrice Prior, do you take Tobias Eaton to be your Husband?"
"I do," I say sincerely, smiling at Tobias while putting his ring on his finger.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride."
Tobias leans in and kisses me, gently and loving. I am very happy to have this man as my husband.
"I love you," he whispers in my ear.
"I love you too, Tobias."
Thanks for reading. Please leave a review!
Replies to previous reviews:
Leanne~ I'm glad you are excited for the sequel-short story thing!;)
Kourtniss~ KK :)
Guest 1,2,3~ THANKYOU!
Egor~ yes ma'am/sir!:)
unknown~ Awwe! You're too sweet! A lot of it was formed when I was blinded by tears, so emo writing is the best writing!;) Siriusly, there were guests over and I was just typing and tears were streaming down my face! Lol. Thx.:)
Guest 4~ That was the most inspiring review I have ever gotten from someone who wasn't my BFF.:) You have no idea how inspiring your support is! *virtual hugs* When I read your review, I really wished you had an account! Luckily, I'm doing this now so I get to thank you and your amazingness!:):):)
*HUGS*
Rose
