Chapter 4

Tris POV

It's almost 9 o'clock and I've been working for almost 4 hours. I really enjoy working here, or maybe I just enjoy the space away from Matthew. Who knows?

I'm working at the bar tonight and since it's a Friday, the place is packed. I'm usually working as a waitress because of my age, but they were shorthanded tonight. The owner must not of thought it was too big of a problem because the legal age to work in a bar in New Orleans is 18, and I'm only a month away from turning it.

"Hey pretty thing, can ya get me another pilsner?", a man sitting in my section hollers. He seems to be in his late twenties and is sporting so many tattoos that I can barely see any skin.

Oh yeah and did I mention that the customers are usually men trying to escape the reality of the work week? Fridays are always the worst. They usually go for the older, prettier bartenders though. Not that I mind.

I can't really complain though. One of my good friends Carter works here with me and she keeps me good company. The owner has her work the bar a lot though because she is legally old enough. It also helps that her flirty personality and perfect features sells quite a few drinks.

I give the man a tight smile.

"Sure thing", and with that I try to clear my mind and get back to work.

XXX

When I finally get home, Matthew is up and waiting for me, even though it's to the closer part of 1 AM. Not a surprise though, he always waits up for me, no matter how many times I tell him not to.

I sigh quietly.

"How was work?", he asks me coming up to hug me.

I tense as he wraps his arms around me. He has a way of making such a simple gesture uncomfortable and awkward.

"It was fine, just the usual I guess", I reply swiftly.

"Hmph", he mumbles as he stares at me for a moment.

"Where are your glasses?", he asks me suddenly.

I roll my eyes and walk away from him. His constant tendency to try and make sure I'm hiding my face is exhausting and downright annoying.

"Hmmm, I don't know Matthew. I wonder why I'm not wearing sunglasses IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT!", I say exasperated. He has no right to treat me like he owns me when he is just a family friend I'm staying with until I'm old enough to be on my own.

It's only 3 months away breathe Bea. You can do this; just remain calm.

"I don't understand why you won't just do what I ask of you!", he yells at me. "I ask very little of you and have always been there for you!"

Welp, so much for staying calm.

"Because you don't own me Matthew! I am so grateful for you taking me in after my parents died and taking care of me after the accident, but I am almost 18 and can make my own choices. You act like I'm out smoking pot and partying, when in reality you're throwing a fit about me not wearing sunglasses in the middle of the night! What are you so afraid of, huh? You've been trying to make me alter my appearance for a solid 8 months now! What are you trying to hide me from? Everyone involved in the shooting is gone and I'm not in any danger! Wh-"

"Because I am the adult Beatrice!", he screeched at me. "And I have to make decisions that you don't underst-"

"Don't you dare pull that card with me!", I scream at him. I'm officially furious. "You are three years older than me. Three! You don't get to make decisions for me, and I won't let you force one more stupid disguise on me. I'm done letting you dictate what I do".

"I don't dictate what yo-"

"You don't even let me go to school! I have to fight and argue for you to let me out of the house long enough to go to work! You're hiding something from me and I'm over it"

He sighs and just looks at me.

"I'm sorry, Bea okay? You know I hate it when you're mad at me, but you have to understand that I do everything for a reason. I just want to keep you safe, that's it".

"It feels more like you're trying to keep me hidden", I mumble to myself.

He must of heard me because he says, "Think that if you want, but I'm not going to let them find you. I got you and now I'm not going to let you go. You're too important to me".

He takes a step towards me.

"What do you mean? Who's going to find me?"

He goes white and mumbles something under is breath.

"The people from the shooting", he finally gets out. "I know you think they're all gone, but we just can't take that chance"

He takes a final step closer to me to where if I shifted forward just a centimeter, our noses would be touching. He grabs my hand and whispers, "I just can't loose you Bea".

He begins to lean in and I start to panic. Is he going to kiss me?

One more inch and his lips will be on mine...

I twist out of his arms and take a few steps back.

"Matthew, what are you doing? One second you're the adult and I'm just the child, and the next you try to kiss me?"

"Bea, you know I didn't mean that. I was trying to get my point across."

I stare at him blankly.

He sighs. "I think we should just go to bed. It's really late and you're tired from work".

I'm wide awake now that we've been screaming at each other for the last 10 minutes, but don't argue with him. I need a break from him anyway.

I turn on my heel and rush to my room. I swiftly change and dive into bed. Laying there, I think about everything that had just happened. Why would he try and kiss me? It's the first time he has ever tried anything like that, other than brief hugs and a couple of kisses on the head. I think back, but can't remember anything else.

Then my mind is pulled back to the day I woke up in the hospital. The doctor had said something along the lines of him being "smitten" with me. I guess with everything going on at the time I totally forgot about it. Still, he can't possibly think that he can just boss me around and then pull something like that.

But even if he wasn't so overbearing, I still don't think I would have feelings for him. He is extremely handsome and there's really nothing I have against him other than the obvious, but I just don't feel anything like that for him.

On the other hand, he has been there for me when no one else was. He's given me a place to stay and buys me anything I could ever really need. He's always there when I have a problem or need someone to talk to. Maybe I'm just not thinking right, a part of my brain tells me. I should just be thankful for everything he does for me and submissive when it comes to the disguises. Yet, then there's the other side of my brain that is telling me the complete opposite. I shouldn't have to deal with him treating me like a child and thinking he's in control of me.

My head begins to throb.

I probably have these headaches because my thoughts are constantly going at a million miles an hour.

I sigh and reach over to turn off my lamp.

Alrighty and here is Chapter 4! What did y'all think of Matthew? My original plan was for 4 Tris to at least get a glance at each other this chapter, but just couldn't get it to fit in. Because of this, they probably will start to interact either next chapter or the one after that. I'm probably just going to start posting everyday because I have the story more planned out now, even though this is the second chapter today lol. Please review, I appreciate everyone and as a new writer they give the boost of courage to continue and not give up. Thank you guys so much for reading :') RR

-M