Chapter 21

You know how I said everyone was a junior in high school? Yeah, not anymore… Sorry if there's any confusion, but they're seniors now :P EVERYONE IS 18 EXCEPT TRIS AND TOBIAS AS OF NOW.

Tris P.O.V.

I'm sleeping soundly when I feel something moving my bed.

"TRISSY, TRISSY, WAKE UP IT'S CHRISTMAS!" Caleb and Robert yell like five-year-olds.

"Go away, I'll downstairs in a minute," I mumble.

"Okay, hurry up!" Caleb says.

I put on one of Tobias's sweatshirts again and my sweatpants then call him.

"Merry Christmas!" he says cheerily.

"What drug did you take? You sound too happy."

"Whatever, imagine me sticking my tongue out at you," he laughs.

"So, what are you doing today?"

"I'm at Zeke's right now, remember?"

"Oh, yeah." He called me last night and told me he was spending the night at Zeke's instead of my house so he could have some, and I quote, 'bro time.' "But what about later so I can give everybody their presents?"

"Zeke said everyone could come over to his house later at, like, five o'clock, and then make some food or snacks or something."

"Okay sounds good. I gotta go, love you."

"Love you." I hang up and walk downstairs to see presents under a little three foot pine.

I smile and sit down on the carpet. "Merry Christmas, guys."

"Mom, can we open presents now?" Caleb whines.

"No," I say. "Mom opens hers first. The one that's from me."

"Tris, you really didn't—"

"Open it."

She shakes her head and rips the wrapping carefully. She holds up the frame of the drawing of her, Caleb, and me in the hospital. Caleb and I were on the sides holding her hands as she smiled up at the camera. Her eyes are watering. "Tris, where did you have this made?"

"I made it," I smile.

"I didn't realize what a great artist you were!"

I laugh. "Yeah, me neither. I took a few tries but I finally got it."

"Thank you, Tris," she hugs me.

The time passes and my mom opens her present from Caleb, a kindle. I got Caleb a few books and a Barnes & Noble gift card. My mom got him the same thing and he couldn't be happier. Robert and Susan joined on one gift and got him a kindle fire.

Now, it's my turn. I open a tiny box from Caleb, inside there is a Hot Topic gift card.

"Thank you, thank you, thank youuuu!" I hug him.

I go back to my spot and open an even tinier box. It contains a piece of paper. I must have a puzzled look on my face because my mom says, "Read the back."

It reads, 'Want a tattoo?'

"Yes, yes, yes, oh my god, yes!"

"What is it, Tris?" Susan asks.

"A tattoo!"

"Awesome!"

"We'll go tomorrow when they're open. I'm going to approve of it first though, I don't want you getting one that says your boyfriend's name," we laugh.

"Actually, I've been thinking about it and I have a sketch. Let me go get it." I get up and I run to my room. I grab my sketchpad and as I walk downstairs I flip through the pages. I sit next to my mom and hand it to her.

"What does it mean?"

"It's the sign for courage in Chinese."

"You know, I really like this," she smiles. "Where were you planning on getting it?"

"On my collarbone, so it's close to my heart."

"You really put a lot of thought into this," she laughs.

"Well, I went to this street market when I was about thirteen and they had these airbrush tattoo's you could get. Since Andrew wasn't there, it was just Caleb and I, he let me get it. Ever since, I wanted one."

"Yes, I'll definitely let you get this."

"Thank you, Mom," I smile and hug her again.

"Okay you guys, let's eat some waffles!" Robert claps his hands.

"Yeah," I say and go to the kitchen. My mother already made them, so I grab a strawberry one and put whipped cream all over it.

I scarf it down and clean my dish. I woke up at ten so now it's already noon, I text Chrissy.

Me: Hey Chrissy. Goin to Zekey's tonite?

Chrissy: Yeah, of course, gurl! U need to lemme dress u up!

Me: Isn't it supposed to b casual?

Chrissy: Well ya… but at least lemme pick out cute jeans and top and makeup!

Me: Y do u always gotta dress me up? I hate it.

Chrissy: I kno but plzzz? Its fun!

Me: Fine. You win. Be at my house at 4?

Chrissy: Of course!

I roll my eyes.

"Hey, Mom, is it okay if Chrissy comes over at four then we go to a friend's house to give presents?

"Sure, as long as Chrissy is a girl."

I laugh. "Yes, Mom, it's short for Christina."

"Well if it was a guy I'd think you were cheating on Four!"

"I have other guy friends, you know. Zeke, Uriah, Will… that's it, but I love them too! It's different, they love me like a sister," I explain.

"Okay, okay." She puts her hands up in defense. "I understand. I had guy friends too."

"Like who?"

"Well, only one," she laughs but it dies. "It was Marcus. But we never kept in touch, obviously. I wouldn't speak to him now for what he's done to Four," she shakes her head. "Do you know the last time it happened?"

"Um, about a month ago, I think. But he comes back with Andrew the eighth of January, which is two days after his eighteenth birthday. He said he's getting an apartment the day after he turns. He actually showed me the place, it looks pretty good. He's getting—no, got—a job at the Pit yesterday as a trainer for the self-defense class. He already has enough money saved up for first months' rent on the place he wants."

"Wow, that's great," my mother smiles.

"Yeah," I happily sigh.

"Do you know his plans for college?"

I shake my head. "We haven't really talked about that yet. We probably should though…"

"Yeah, it'd be a shame if you two broke up. You're really cute together and he's sweet."

"He is though," I smile.

"Well, Chrissy can come over now, if she wants. It's just another day in the Wright household," she smiles and walks into the living room.

Me: Mom said u could come over now if u want.

Chrissy: Sweet! OMW.

I sit down on the couch next to Robert and say, "Chrissy is getting me ready for a get together later, want to help her make me a Barbie doll?"

"Tris. Do you know how long I've been waiting for this day?!"

"I'm guessing pretty long," I chuckle.

"Yes! Now c'mon!" he grabs my arm and drags me to my room.

He's picking out some clothes and throwing them on the floor. "Ew. No. Tris, why do you even own this? Despicable. Fashion faux pas. Pleather? Really, Tris?" As he says each one he throws a piece of clothing over his shoulder.

"That's my favorite jacket!" I defend myself.

"I guess it's kind of cute. I'll think about that."

He continues. "Ugh. No! Aztec is so ugly! Why so much black?"

Finally the doorbell rings. Dear god, thank you! I think.

"That's Chrissy, I'll be back."

"'Kay."

I run downstairs and swing open the door. "Hey, Chrissy. So Robert is helping and I didn't think he'd be bad, but, oh my god, he's worse than you! And that's saying something!"

"I have a feeling I'm gonna like this guy," she smirks and runs upstairs.

I groan loud and long. I slowly trudge up the stairs unwillingly. When I walk into the threshold and close the door, they are both saying things like, 'OMG I totally agree,' and 'Ugh, yeah, that's awful.'

"You guys aren't ever going to find anything," I say.

"Ah ha! This is the perfect top. Fierce and striking," Robert says.

"Oh my gosh, yes!" Chrissy chimes.

"Okay, fine, it's kind of cute," I admit.

"Yes, we know, now put it on!" Robert yells.

I go to the bathroom and throw it on. Not bad, I think.

Now they are looking at pants. There's not much to see. "Trissy, you only have three pairs of jeans, no leggings or skirts, and ten pairs of sweatpants?!" Chrissy screeches and I just nod. "Wow, just wow. Fine, put these on," she hands me the bottoms that I got at the mall last week. Or whatever week that was. The black top with sleeves that hang off the edge match well with the black holed skinny jeans with silver patches.

Chrissy claps and squeals. "Time for hair!" I groan. "Oh stop, I'm just fishtailing it." I let out a breath of relief. Once she's done Robert does my make-up.

"Woah, woah, hold up, Robert. What's all that shit?"

"Make-up, duh."

"I know, but only three of those twenty things are going on my face," I demand.

"Fine," he pouts and pulls out eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick.

"No lipstick."

"Why, afraid you're going to smear it?" Chrissy wiggles her eyebrows.

"Yes," I bluntly say instead of blushing.

She seems taken aback by it and doesn't say anything else. Instead, Robert pulls out blush.

"You have wonderful cheekbones, Tris," Robert says as he finishes.

"Whatever. You know you can't make me pretty, right?"

"Who cares about pretty? I'm going for noticeable," Chrissy says.

I shake my head. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Chris," I wave her off.

Then we talk for a while until Robert and Susan have to leave.

I check my phone, it's 5:45! And there are multiple calls from Tobias, probably worried sick.

"Chrissy! It's 5:45! We were supposed to be there at 5!"

"Oh shit!" she checks her phone and says, "I've got like 5 five calls from Will."

"Same from Four. Let me get the presents I got for everyone, then we'll go." I run to the living room and along the way I call Tobias.

"Tris, where the hell are you, you've got me worried sick, I thought you were dead or something, where are you?!"

"Tobias calm down, me and Chris lost track of time, I'm sorry I worried you."

He breathes a breath full of relief. "Okay. Just… don't do that," he gives a nervous laugh.

"I know, I know, I'm seriously really sorry. I feel awful that I worried you like that," I sigh.

"It's fine, just get here, I want to see you," he sighs and I hear fake gags in the background.

"Put it on speaker," I laugh.

"Okay…?"

"Listen up, you little shitheads!" I hear them stop and I imagine the fear on their faces. "Stop making gag noises when every one of you have made out in front us before and done unspeakable things."

"Yes ma'am," Zeke mumbles.

"Hey, I heard that you little twat."

Everyone bursts out laughing. "We'll be there soon, love you, Four.

"Love you," he laughs and there's silence in their room. Then I hang up. I'm assuming they didn't know about the whole 'love you' thing.

"Chrissy, let's go!"

Tobias P.O.V.

"Zeke, no," I say as we play Xbox.

"Why not?"

"I refuse to run down the block in a diaper!"

"Whatever man. What's up with you and Tris anyway? You've been acting all lovey-dovey lately." I roll my eyes. "Have you guys done the frickle-frackle or something?"

I blush. "No!"

"Then what's up?"

"We said we loved each other," I mumbled.

"Woah. Dude. Awesome," he gives me a hard pat on the back.

"Yeah, yeah. What about you and Shauna, man?"

"Cover me!" Zeke yells as he shoots another Zombie in the head. "Yes! Anyway, yes, we have said the 'L' word and done the frickle frackle," he smirks. "WAIT. You're a virgin aren't you?!"

"Who's a virgin?" Uriah asks as he sits on the couch behind us and sips a Root Beer.

"My buddy, Four, here."

"Yeah, but at least I have a girlfriend. A serious girlfriend."

"Wait, so you could see you and Tris actually being something one day? Like when we are older you'd get married or something?" Uriah says.

I shrug. "I guess, yeah."

"Woah, dude. Hold up," Zeke says and pauses the game. "Serious bro talk right now. If you guys met out of high school, and you were like twenty-three and you met her, and dated for a while, you'd marry her?"

"Yeah. I'd marry her right now if she and I were older," I shrug and their mouths hang open. "Is it really that surprising?" I ask.

"Knowing you, yes. But I guess I see where you're coming from, bro. You never talked about any girl they way you do about Tris. Or ever gone out with any girl but Tris. Except for that whole, uh, Nicole incident," Uriah laughs and so does Zeke. I find this un-amusing.

"Ugh, dude, I took Tris out on a date the other night and we ran into her. She was our waitress," I groan.

"Did you tell Tris about the whole… you know… thing with her?" Zeke asks.

"No, she was already about to punch her in the face because Nicole was flirting with me. Just the thought makes me want to vomit," I shake my head in disgust. "From there on out, I was no longer your wingman," I chuckle and check the clock, it's already five.

Just then, Marlene and Shauna show up. Five minutes later, Will shows and still no Chris and Tris. Twenty minutes and I'm starting to get worried along with Will. I decide to call her and there's no answer. Another five minutes later; nothing. Another five; nothing. I'm about to call her again when she calls me.

I, of course, answer immediately with, "Tris, where the hell are you, you've got me worried sick, I thought you were dead or something, where are you?!"

"Tobias calm down, me and Chris lost track of time, I'm sorry I worried you."

I breathe in relief and just realized I was holding my breath. "Okay. Just… don't do that," I nervously laugh and stumble.

"I know, I know, I'm seriously really sorry. I feel awful that I worried you like that."

"It's fine, just get here, I want to see you," I sigh and hear Uriah and Zeke make fake gagging noises.

"Put it on speaker."

"Okay…?" I say confusedly.

"Listen up, you little shitheads!" They stop and immediately have horror on their faces, probably thinking of the number six. "Stop making gag noises when every one of you have made out in front us before and done unspeakable things."

"Yes ma'am," Zeke mumbles.

"Hey, I heard that you little twat."

I laugh so hard I think I might cry and so does everyone else, including Zeke. "We'll be there soon, love you, Four," she says and it sounds perfect.

"Love you," I laugh and hang up. Everyone looks at me in awe except Zeke and Will, he probably knows from Chrissy.

"What?" I ask.

"LOVE?!" Marlene yells.

"Yeah?" I scratch the back of my neck.

"Trissy has some explaining to do!" Shauna yells and I roll my eyes. "Don't you roll your eyes at me Four! This is serious business!"

"Sure, Shauna, I'm sure it is."

I hear the door open and go for it along with Will in the other room.

I see them and I immediately take the presents from this to help her since her hands are full. I take them and put them by the person it belongs to. I finally see Tris since the presents were stacked up against her. And she looks gorgeous. It's just us by the door now so I kiss her roughly and she seems taken aback by it, but eventually leans into me at last.

She pulls back and I say, "You scared the hell out of me."

"I know, I'm sorry," she sighs and lays her cheek against my chest as my chin is on top of her head. I close my eyes and just enjoy having her in my arms. I nuzzle my head into her shoulder.

I hear someone giggling around the corner and a snap of a phone. "A picture? Really you guys?"

They come around the corner and I pull back but keep my arm around her waist. They show us the picture, and I have to admit, it's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. "Can you send that to me?" Tris asks as she slightly smiles. Chrissy nods and sends it.

We walk into the living room and sit down. I put my arm around Tris's shoulder and her phone buzzes, then picture comes up. I decide not to be nosy, so I look away.

"Four," she pokes me. She flips the screen shut them opens it back up and I see the picture Chrissy took as her screensaver. I smile down at her and peck her lips.

"NO PDA, CHILDREN," Uriah yells.

"Shut up, Uri," everyone yells in unison.

"Gawd, fine, at least I have Mar Mar," he pouts.

"Okay, let's open presents, because I can't be the only one absolutely dying to see what I got," Zeke says and we all tear open our presents.

Before I even see what it is, I hear Uriah shout, "TRIS, I LOVE YOU, WHERE DID YOU GET THIS?!" with a hat on that says 'pansycake.'

"I had it specially made," she chuckles.

"You're the best!"

I get $25 gift cards for Dick's sporting goods from everyone, so total I have $150 for it.

"OH MY GOD FOUR HOW DID YOU GET THESE THEY WERE SOLD OUT?!" she screams louder than Chrissy about the Three Days Grace tickets I got her. It's her new favorite band—Evanescence still tied, though.

"I know people. They're backstage passes too," I smiles.

"Oh my god! I feel terrible! All I got you was—wait did you open it yet?" I shake my head and she sighs. I open the box and take the necklace out while she puts her face into a pillow and groans. It's a dog tag like the one I got her and it says '10.'

"Tris," I say as I put it on. "Tris." She looks up and I see guilt on her face. "This is the best thing I've ever gotten from anyone. Ever."

"Yeah, but I spend $20 while you spent like more than a hundred!"

"The guy that I know is a roadie and he gave me those for $20 each," I smirk.

"Still… I feel bad," she sighs.

"Don't." I take her face and kiss her for a few seconds. She pulls back and smiles up at me.

"When are we going?" she asks.

"January eighth. Which is perfect because I figured you needed an escape from your father when he gets here," I say and whisper in her ear, "and mine." She grins and kisses me shortly before I can even respond.

"I love you," I say.

"I love you too."

"I love you three," I smirk.

"This again?"

"Just do it," I smile.

"I love you, Four," she playfully rolls her eyes.

"You guys are too cute, it's disgusting!" Zeke exclaims.

"Zeke Pedrad, did you just say cute?" I ask.

"Yeah. I did. Shut up."

We talk for a few more hours until it's 9:30. "We should get going, Tris,"

"Yeah." We stand up and hug everyone and thank them for everything.

When I bro hug Zeke he whispers, 'get on your frickle frackle,' and he winks. My face turns red and I punch his arm hardly and leave with Tris beside me and our presents in our hands.

When we get in the car, I drive and say, "Thank god we're alone, because I hate it when you call me Four. It doesn't feel right," I scrunch my nose.

"I know, I know, Tobias," she says.

"Whatever, I just don't like the way it sounds when you say it," I defensively.

I pull into my driveway and get my presents out. So my gift cards. That's it. And I'm wearing the necklace Tris got me. Which is the best thing ever. I walk in and take my shoes off and throw my gift cards on the counter then lay on couch with Tris.

"Hey," she yawns. "Did I tell you my mom is letting me get a tattoo for Christmas?"

"No, that's awesome though," I smile at her even though she can't see me since we are on the couch spooning. "What's it gonna be?"

"A surprise. Can I take a nap? I'll set and alarm on my phone for 10:10."

"Sure," I say.

She sets it and I immediately fall asleep.

…

I'm awoken from my sleep by a kiss from Tris. I pretend I'm still asleep then I suddenly flip her so I'm on top of her and kiss her deeply. Her hands run through my hair and she pushes me closer to her. I start to pepper her neck with kisses.

"Tobias," she breathes. "We have to go."

"I don't want to," I say and place another kiss on her lips.

"Tobias," she says firmly. "If I get home late my mom might not let me get that tattoo. Trust me, I want to stay too, but I want that tattoo more."

"Fine." I plant one more kiss on her lips and get up, pulling her with me.

"Let's go," I say.

We drive to her house and I walk her to her door, as always. I wrap my arms around her tiny, yet tough frame. I kiss her once more for the night. "I love you."

"I love you."

No one dies, and no one breaks up, I swear. You know how I acted super evil yesterday? Yeah, I have an eviler idea. It will go down in about two or three chapters. *evilly laughs*

-Reese