Tris POV
Caleb keeps telling my mother that he is better. It's because it is Saturday, and he has factionless duties. So do I. When I walk down the stairs ( we do not run down stairs in Abnegation, as it is selfish to draw attention to oneself) to breakfast, I see that Caleb is not there.
" Beatrice, would you mind doing Caleb's duties today. He insists that he is fine, but I want him to stay in bed." My mother explains.
" Of course mother. "
o0o
I walk down the street ,with a huge box full of blankets and cans of food, towards the factionless sector. I keep thinking of Tobias, wondering if he is ok. He said his father beats him regularly, I wonder if that happened last night, or if I caused it...
I am literally knocked out of my thoughts when a tall, grey clad figure walks into me. The box of supplies skids across the street, the cans rolling around and falling out of the box. Because I am small, I fall down because of sheer force. The grey clad figure was none other than Marcus Eaton. He immediately drops down next to me.
" I'm so sorry ,Beatrice. Here, are your hands ok?"
My hands are grazed from breaking my fall, and bleeding. They sting a little, but I must consider others before myself.
" they are fine, Mr Eaton, I'm sorry for disturbing you." I say. My father has taught me and Caleb to refer to adults as Mr, Mrs or Miss. My mother has told us that if an accident occurs to just say sorry and carry on.
" it is fine. Why do you have so much more that usual?"
" Mother says that Caleb needs to stay in bed for another day, so I'm taking his factionless duties."
He starts helping to pick up the cans and putting them back in the box.
o0o
The factionless sector smells of sewage and canned food. I hate going there.
o0o
Tobias is outside on the street by the time I get back. He looks timid.
" Beatrice " he says quietly.
He takes my hand confidently this time and runs towards a small clump of trees.
" I don't want you to freak out." He says.
" never will I ever freak out on you." I reply.
He lifts his grey Abnegation shirt and turns around. I trace the ugly, angry lines on his back.
" oh my..." I whisper.
He pulls his shirt back down.
" he did this to you last night, didn't he?"
He nods.
" Oh, Tobias, I'm so sorry. I told him that I gave you my coat. This is my fault!" Tears stream down my face.
Tobias collects me in his arms and holds me close. I keep whispering sorry.
He holds me at arms length by the shoulders.
" this isn't your fault, nor mine. It his. He does not know love."
" Tobias, I have to go now. Sorry."
I peck his cheek.
