(Tris)
"I'm starving," I announce a few hours later.
Tobias glances at me.
"Pasta?" he suggests.
I nod, and move to the kitchen to prep for spaghetti. Tobias joins me a minute later.
"Want to invite Christina and Matthew over?" he asks, turning the fire on under a pot of water.
"Yes" I smile. I've been happier than usual since our earlier conversation.
He smiles back at me. "You're in a good mood."
I nod. "I'm going to go get Christina. Make sure you salt the water before adding the pasta. And turn down the heat just a little... perfect! Thank you!" I don't take a breath, and brush his shoulder as I pass by him.
He grabs my arm, tugging me back. He wraps his hands around my waist, pressing his forehead to mine.
"I'm happy that you're happy," he says softly.
I smile again, and kiss him. "I love you."
"I love you too," he shakes his head, laughing, as I practically skip out of the kitchen like a five year old.
Christina appears to be on cloud nine as well, teeming with joy. I'm glad to see it. She and Matthew come over and help Tobias and I in the kitchen.
We are laughing and dancing around each other to throw an ingredient in here, stir something there, turn the heat down on this.
I hope my entire life is like this.
Soon, we are seated around the big table. The food is delicious; we make quite the team.
"Okay guys," Christina smiles. "We have some news," she looks like she might explode with excitement.
I smile expectantly.
"Matthew and I are getting married!" she screams. Matthew grins from ear-to-ear.
Tobias and I jump up. I match Christina's screams and Tobias and Matthew hug each other in a manly kind of way, complete with back slaps.
"I know it's fast, but we just figured... why wait? We already know how unpredictable life is," Christina explains when we're all seated again.
I smile, this time a little sadly. I catch Tobias watching me out of the corner of my eye and take a deep breath.
I speak as joyfully as I can. "I'm so happy for you," I say truthfully. "What's the date?"
"Three weeks from today."
That is fast.
"That's great!... I'll be right back, okay? I'm going to the bathroom."
I walk to the hall, and for some insane reason, I feel like crying. I don't want to get married yet. Of course I don't. But I still feel a weight on my chest, contrasted only by the happiness I feel for Christina and Matthew.
It is then that I see a piece of paper on the floor, near the front door - like someone slipped it under the crack. I pick it up at the same time Tobias emerges from the kitchen.
"I was just going to find you... what's wrong?"
My fingers have started to tremble, and I wave the paper. "Look," my voice shakes. Tobias comes over to read it.
Tobias and Beatrice,
"Four and Tris," I regret to inform you that you have crossed a line by erasing the memories of my staff. And because of this, you must be killed - particularly you, Beatrice. Tobias, we may spare your life, but not without punishment. Clearly, I do not beat around the bush. Be at Millennium park at 11:30 tomorrow night, unarmed and unaccompanied. Failure will result in the death of your loved ones, beginning with Caleb Prior.
Best regards.
