Chapter 12- The announcement

Tris pov

Why did I get this message? Do the leaders already know?

Just as I'm about to voice these questions to Uriah, a voice crackles over the intercom system, "Attention everyone, we received a letter this morning from the soldiers in Candor. War has been declared by the Erudite on the rest of us. According to a soldier who recently was a spy in Erudite, they plan to use a simulation on the Candor until the soldiers are weak enough and then attack. We are trying to shut down their computer system remotely as it is a suicide mission to go to Erudite and do it manually. Some of you may have received a letter with this same message if you have loved ones there, please note that it was just protocol for you to receive this. After the paintball game in the pit at the end of the week, we will have a faction meeting with an update on the war. That is all. "The intercom switches off and even through the thick walls you can hear the collective cry of the Dauntless.

"I still can't believe this is really happening." I say vacantly.

"It's okay Tris, at least we know what's going on now. And you heard them; they're trying to shut down Erudite for good." Uri says, trying to sound comforting.

Instead of starting a pointless argument about how it might not work, I simply nod. "Uri, thanks for everything you've done today but, it's been a long day. I think I might just want to go to bed."

"No problem, I'll see you tomorrow okay? Let's have lunch again." He suggests.

"That sounds nice." I tell him, leading him over to the door.

Before I close the door, he gives me another hug. He pulls away slightly but still has his arms around my waist. For a moment, it feels like how Tobias held me before he left. Uriah's eyes stay on mine until they flit down to my lips then back up to meet my gaze. He looks like he's hesitating before he says, "I'll see you tomorrow.", and walks down the hall. What just happened? I wonder. Shaking my head to clear away the thought, I go back into the apartment to lie on the bed and never really find sleep.
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Rising from the bed, I throw on a pair of my jeans and another one of Tobias' shirts. This has become my usual outfit for when I have to go anywhere. Before I head out the door, I grab the letter I wrote yesterday.

As I'm on my way to get breakfast, everyone I see just gives me a slight nod of acknowledgment, knowing I won't feel like talking. I'm both grateful yet annoyed that everyone knows how they should act with me, as if I'm so fragile I could break. Outside the cafeteria is a small box for the mail that will be sent to Candor. I carefully drop in the envelope with 'Four' written neatly on it. Mixed emotions course through me; I'm ashamed of the content of the letter but I'm also glad I'm not keeping this from him. With a deep sigh, I clear my head and walk into the cafeteria. Walking over, I grab a muffin and start to look for an empty table.

"Tris! Tris, over here!" I hear shouted from across the room.

I turn to see the source of the voice and spot Christina and Caleb sitting at an empty table and waving me over. As I make my way over, I can't help but think that this could either be fine or horribly awkward. The moment I sit down, Christina takes my hand from across the table.

"How are you doing?" She asks softly, as if she spoke to loud I'd break.

"I'm fine." I say, not bothering to hide that I'm lying. After I say this, I give her a look, challenging her to argue with me.

"Bea, I'm so sorry." Caleb says, setting his hand over mine and Christina's.

Of all things, this is what I snap at, "My name is Tris! Not Beatrice or Bea or whatever the hell else you want to call me; it's Tris!" I nearly scream before storming out of the cafeteria and to the tattoo parlor.

"Tris! You're here early." Tori says, sounding surprised.

"Yeah, I thought I'd sketch some designs for a while." I say, trying to come up with a better excuse than 'I yelled at my brother and needed to leave.'

She eyes me skeptically before nodding and turning back to whatever she was doing. I'm not disturbed for the rest of my shift. None of the tattoos I had to do today were very noteworthy, just the usual; faction symbols, flames, a gun or two; nothing major. Once my shift is over, I slip out the door and run right into Uriah.

"Hey, ready to go?" he asks.

I hesitate for a moment, do I really want to go home and have a one person pity party?

"Yeah, let's go." I reply after a moment of deciding.

Uri gives me a shy smile and starts to lead me down the hall. Every so often, Uriah would reach up to crack his knuckles and glance over at me nervously. When we finally got to the cafeteria, I saw Christina and Caleb there for lunch. They give me a worried look and wave me over but, I just turn and bring Uriah over to an empty table.

"What happened with your brother and Chris?" He asks, clearly having seen the silent exchange.

"Since they made the announcement last night, everyone's looking at me like I'm a kicked puppy or something." I say, remembering Tobias' words. "I hate it; it makes me feel so weak." I conclude, turning to look down in shame.

"Hey," Uriah says, patting my arm. "Look at me." I comply and meet his gaze. "You know that you're strong; I know that you're strong. Nothing else should matter and if other people are making you look or feel weak, you shouldn't care. They're not worth your time or tears." He says, finishing with a shy smile.

"Uriah, that's so sweet. I'm so glad to have you as a friend; I don't know what I'd do without you." I say, placing my hand over his.

Uriah gives me a slightly conflicted look before flashing me another shy smile and turning back to his food.

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"Thanks for taking me to lunch again." I say to Uriah as I'm about to close the door to the apartment.

"It's no trouble at all. How about we do it again tomorrow?" He asks, sounding very hopeful.

"That's a great idea." I say with a smile breaking across my face.

I pull Uri into a hug, "Thank you or everything." I say as I pull away slightly.

Uriah looks conflicted for a moment but before I can ask what's wrong, his lips crash into mine.

A/N here's the newest chapter. What will Tris do?! I guess you'll just have to wait. Sorry it took forever to update, this month for me has been crazy busy but next month ill have more time. Today I'm headed to a wedding so right now I should be getting ready but am updating instead. I've also started on Wattpad thanks to Fanofdivergent. I'll tell you guys what my name is on there when I actually start publishing. Thanks for the support, read and review, sorry the chapter is short, I love all of you.

-DW46