Tris pov

The next morning, I avoid Four in the hallways. I'm embarrassed about yesterday. I can't believe I almost told him. I wish I could tell him, but I'm not sure I'm ready. It's easier to admit, here to myself that I like him. He's nice, brave and he treated me like I was strong.

I doubt he actually likes me. He's probably nice to everyone. He probably has a girlfriend.

I'm not sure why, but the simple thought sends a strong emotion coursing through my veins.

I suddenly feel the urge to meet him tonight, like he asked to. It wouldn't hurt would it?

Shaking my head, I walk towards my class.

Four pov

I've noticed Tris has been avoiding me. I'm not sure if she actually is, but it seems so.

"Hi Four." I turn and see Zeke and his girlfriend, Shauna.

"Hi Zeke. Hi Shauna."

"I'm having a party at my house in two days. Be there ok?" Zeke looks at me. I know if I don't go, he'll probably punch me.

"Whose going?" I ask.

Shauna answers me."Almost everyone. I'm inviting Marlene and Christina, but I think Zeke's going to invite everyone in his class. If your going, you can invite whoever you want."

"Where is the party?" I ask.

"In the party room." Zeke says with a grin.

"The party room?"

"Yep, me and Uriah designed it ourselves. It's in the abandoned house at the edge of your street." Zeke explains.

"Oh." I do know which house he's talking about.

"Will you come?" Shauna asks.

"Fine." I don't mind parties, but sometimes they get on my nerves.

"Good. I'll see you there."

Just then, Tris walks by. She rushes down the hallway, obviously not noticing us. A notebook slips out of her hand and she stops to pick it up. My eyes meet hers and she stares at me.

I stare into her blue eyes, lost in the swirling colours for a moment.

"Hey, uh, Four." Zeke's voice snaps me out of me daze. I see Tris's cheeks redden and she hurries away.

"What?" I ask.

"What was that?" Zeke asks. He nods towards where Tris was standing.

I try to reman emotionless. "What was what?"

Zeke raises his eyebrow, "you were just staring at-"

I elbow him before he can finish. A grin spreads over his face.

Tris pov

I just let myself get carried away again. I just stared at Four when everyone was watching! I shake my head. I'm so stupid.

I crash into Christina and my binder falls.

"Oops! Sorry Tris!" Christina picks up my binder and hands it to me.

"Thank you." I say.

"Will you come to the party in two days? It's near my house, I can show you! You have to come okay? I'm so excited! You are going right? I mean, Shauna says I can invite anyone, soI obviously will invite you, but you'll come right?"

I'm blown over by the tumble of words. My answer slips out of my mouth without my permission. "Sure."

Christina gives my the directions and the time. I'm already regretting my decision.

When school ends, I finish my homework and go to the park. I hover at the edge of the forest, unsure what to do. I did tell Four I would meet him, but I'm not sure it's a good idea.

Just then, Four appears. He smiles and relief spread over me. I don't know why.

"Come." Four grabs my hand and pulls me towards the forest. I tense, uncomfortable with his hand in mine. As if sensing this, Four quickly let's go and I follow him to the cave.

Four doesn't take the flashlight, instead, he plunges into the darkness. I don't hesitate to follow him.

I can't see well, so when Four stops, I crash into him. I stumble and he pulls me upright. I feel electricity pulsing through the spot where he touched me.

Four fumbles around, looking for the lamp. When he finally turns the light on, he takes out two blankets from behind a stone slab. One blanket is spread over the floor. He motions for me to sit, which I do. He drapes the other blanket lightly over my shoulders.

"Thank you." I say.

Four sits next to me, making himself comfortable. I survey the room, trying to distract myself from how close he is to me.

"It looks like you practically live here." I comment.

Four looks at me and bites his lip. "Well, I do."

I must look surprised because Four addresses this.

"This isn't my official house," he says. "I just prefer it here than at home."

"Why?" I ask, tucking the blanket tighter around me.

Four looks up at the ceiling, letting out a deep breath. "Sometimes, this is the only place that I feel safe."

I let Four's words sink in. The only place he feels safe. What is he not telling me?

"You don't talk much, do you?" Four says, after a long silence.

I shake my head.

Four tilts his head and says hesitantly, "are you going to tell me anything?"

I know he wants to know what I've been hiding, but I won't tell him.

I keep silent, fixing my eyes on the wall across from me.

"Ok, I'll go first." Four says softly.

Four pulls his shirt over his head and turns so his back's facing me.

At first, I'm confused at why he's undressing, but then I see the scars.

My eyes widen, and my fingers brush over the cris cross of white lines running down his back. They look similar to the ones I have on my neck.

I realize my mouth is open and shut it quickly.

Four turns and puts his shirt on. I can help watching as his muscular body disappears under the black cotton shirt.

"You were beaten." I whisper.

Four nods. "By my father."

My heart speeds up. How could his father do this? It was bad enough having someone I didn't know beat me, but to have your family...

"That's horrible." I say. And I mean it.

"Will you tell me now?" Four asks, his eyes refusing to look up at me.

A million thoughts run through my brain. I feel my body start to tremble as the rush of secrets threaten to tumble out of my mouth. My brain craves for one thing to help my decision.

"Four," I gasp. "Look at me."

He looks up and his eyes lock with mine. His irises swallow me and and I let myself fall into the deep blue colour. I remember the dream I had at Eric's house.

"I was kidnapped. I was beaten. I don't remember anything."

Four looks at me, his mouth open slightly.

"What?"

Now that I've finally told someone about this, I feel a huge weight lift off my chest. I breath heavily.

"I was kidnapped. I was beaten." I say.

A strange, heavy feeling spreads through my body as Four takes this information in, thinking deeply.

He suddenly pulls me in for a hug. "I'm sorry." He whispers.