Chapter 21
To the guest that reviewed saying that the past chapter's 'deepness' about family wasn't true, for some people it is. Like I said in the previous chapter, it sucks not having anybody. It really does. So don't say it's not true, we all have different opinions and situations in life, that was just my viewpoint on it, so I'm sorry if I offended you in any way, shape, or form.
Please Read:
I know last chapter didn't really seem like my writing all that much, but I completely assure you that it was me. I was watching an interview with Veronica Roth about her writing and I realized that I have potential to be like her. I have a verrrrryyyyy long way to that though. Definitely a work in progress, I am. Anyway, I had been stuck all night on what to write about. Then I just… typed. I typed 1,600 words within 40 minutes and all just poured out, like floodgates after a monsoon. Point is: it was like something snapped in me. Something clicked and I knew right then and there that I want to do this for the rest of my life. Although I am an extremely goofy person around my friends and sometimes you guys, I can be the deepest person you know. The only person that knows that I can be like that is my best-friend. ANYWAY, basically you guys' reviews get me up and out of bed every single day, so thank you.
ALSO: IF YOU DIDN'T READ THAT^, READ THIS: So today is October 23rd, right? Yes. Yesterday was the anniversary of Tris's death, when Allegiant came out. Depressing thought of the day.
Tris P.O.V.
Caleb and I are currently walking back from the attorney's office for the will. It specifically stated Caleb and I could do whatever we wanted with everything in the house in our mother's possesion. Although there are only a few things I really want to keep, we've decided to sell everything and give it to bullying prevention charity. All of the money in the bank, we've decided, is going to Caleb because he needs it more than I do. I get a very decent paycheck and so does Caleb, being a doctor, but he has more school loans to pay off rather than me. Of course mine were extremely expensive, but he went to med school, which is basically a bazillion dollars. We've also decided that I get a few thousand dollars from selling items in the house and the house itself. We also decided not to have a funeral. Not many people would come, she didn't have many friends, so we decided to have her cremated and spread her ashes out into the sea in San Fran. Her ashes will be mailed to Caleb's. When she'd visited us she said this was her favorite place she'd ever been and hoped to move out here some day. I guess that will never happen though.
"Caleb?" I ask quietly.
"Yeah, baby sis?"
"Can we just hang out at the house tonight? Y'know, maybe go on a Friends marathon all night?"
"I'd like that. A lot actually. Maybe veg out on some cartons of ice-cream in front of the TV?"
I give a very small smile, the biggest one I've created in days. I nod.
"So your conductor or whatever wasn't upset you had to miss practice for two days?" he asks.
I shake my head. "No. He's very understanding. Just as long as I'm back on time for the performance, which is Friday, so I have two days since it is Wednesday today. Tomorrow I might go back to the warehouse. Where are all of my painting are and stuff. Then go to the gym. Our plane leaves at 1:30, right?"
"Yep."
We walk into the drug mart and head to the freezer section, but not before grabbing a basket for toppings.
I remember when I was little, I'd refuse come here—or any drug mart for that matter—because I thought actual drugs were sold here. The illegal kinds of drugs. And when I first read the word marijuana, I thought it was pronounced "mara-jew-wana."
We pick out coffee, chocolate, and vanilla ice cream flavors. We head to the candy aisle and pick out Oreos, Kit-Kats, chocolate syrup, Reese Cups, gummy worms, and M&Ms. Plus we can't forget to add the whipped cream, too.
We pay for all of the stuff and carry everything home. We set all of the bags on the counter, relieving our wrists of the heavy weight. We immediately take our own cartons. Him the vanilla, me the chocolate, and the coffee goes in the freezer for later to share between the two of us. We walk into the living room and spread all of the toppings out along with our own spoons. I put the Friends: Season 1 CD into the DVD player and we settle on the couch with our cartons. We each grab pillows and set them on our lap so we don't get cold.
We sit there for a few hours until all of our ice cream is gone and it's three A.M. Sometime after I fell asleep, I see Caleb get up and turn the TV off and head upstairs. I follow suit, taking my blanket and my phone. I see on my phone that Tobias texted me at about 10:30 or so, which is 8:30 for them. I kind of feel bad for not texting him back, but I hadn't known about it.
(10:32 P.M.) Four: Everything going alright?
(3:12 A.M.) Tris: Sorry I'm replying so late, I just checked my phone. Sorry if I wake you up. Everything went fine.
(3:14 A.M.) Four: It's all good. I've been awake all night anyway. Can't sleep.
(3:15 A.M.) Tris: How come?
(3:16 A.M.) Four: After sleeping with you by my side, I don't want to go back to doing it alone.
(3:17 A.M.) Tris: Aw thanks, Teddy.
(3:18 A.M.) Four: Is there something I'm missing? Cause Chris keeps calling me that too.
(3:20 A.M.) Tris: I may or may not have referred to you as a big teddy bear.
(3:21 A.M.) Four: Wow, thanks babe.
(3:21 A.M.) Four: Pretend I never sent that last message.
(3:22 A.M.) Tris: Aw. How come, BABE?
(3:23 A.M.) Four: You know why.
(3:24 A.M.) Tris: G'night, Teddy.
(3:24 A.M.) Tris: I mean babe ;)
(3:25 A.M.) Four: Ha. Ha. Goodnight.
I finally put my phone on the charger and set the alarm for nine A.M.
I can't help but let a smile play on my face as I think about the fact of that he can't sleep without me, even after only one night of it. The thing I'm ashamed, yet proud to admit is that I could say the same exact thing to him. Despite the fact that we weren't even in bed, I got the best sleep of my life. But hell, I'd voice it loud and clear on a rooftop if I had to.
-That morning-
As I get dressed to go to the gym, I realize Caleb is still asleep. I finish getting dressed in tight running pants and a tank top, along with sneakers, and write a note to Caleb saying I'll be home around noon and that I have my phone with me for an emergency. As I run down the carpeted stairs softly, I pull my hair into ponytail over the shoulder.
I start running to the gym with my earbuds in, turning it on shuffle. Just as I am about five minutes away from my destination, the song "Smile" comes on. The one that Tobias kissed me to. The one that reminds me of him every single time I hear it. I can't help but smile as it plays, ironically enough. Just then I receive a message from Tobias. This is too… Ironic isn't the word, and neither is coincidental… fluky. Fluky is the word.
(9:37 A.M.) Four: Good morning, beautiful.
(9:38 A.M.) Tris: Guess what song just came on right when you texted me?
(9:39 A.M.) Four: Smile?
(9:40 A.M.) Tris: Nope. Let It Die by Three Days Grace.
(9:41 A.M.) Four: Oh.
(9:42 A.M.) Tris: Nah, I'm joking. It was Smile :)
(9:43 A.M.) Four: You've never been one to take signs.
(9:44 A.M.) Tris: Fluky. Fluky is the word.
(9:45 A.M.) Four: What ever you say.
(9:46 A.M.) Tris: Teddy.
(9:46 A.M.) Four: Babe.
(9:47 A.M.) Tris: Four.
(9:47 A.M.) Four: Beatrice.
(9:48 A.M.) Tris: This isn't over. I'll talk to you once I get home.
(9:49 A.M.) Four: Okay.
A big Teddy. That's what exactly he is. If he was talking to anybody else but me, he would have beaten them to a pulp.
I push open the front doors of The Pit and see many kids from my high school, all guys though, but it's not surprising. I walk up to the front desk to approach Bud.
"Excuse me, sir," I say with the smallest of smiles.
He looks up from his computer. "Never thought I'd see that face again." He stands up. "How are you, Tris? I heard about your mom," he says sadly.
"Yeah. That's why I'm in town, actually."
"I've—everyone, actually—heard about you playing in the Philharmonic at such a young age. The whole little village of us is buzzing about it."
"I find that hard to believe."
"It's true. Anyway, you here to work out for a little while?" he asks.
"Yeah. I was going to ask if you'd maybe give me a free pass for today?" I ask, hopeful.
"Of course. Any time, Tris."
As I walk upstairs, I get multiple glances from the guys I used to go to school with. Back then, they wouldn't have taken a second glance at me, but now they do. Inconsiderate, shallow, no-good, son of a mother—something interrupts my thoughts. Not so much of a "something" but a "someone."
"Excuse me, but are you Tris Prior?" the guy my age asks. He looks extremely familiar, but I can't place the name.
I keep walking, but he continues with me.
"The one and only."
"Wow. You're incredible. I'm Vinnie. Short for Vincent. Huge fan. You—"
"Why?" I interrupt without looking at him. I remain staring forward as I climb the stairs. "Why do you take sudden interest in me now, huh? You wouldn't have taken two glances at me back in high school when I was quiet. But now, you and every other guy I used to know that are currently in this gym are checking me out. So Vinnie, you can just keep on walkin', because I have a boyfriend."
He doesn't hesitate to reply. "Doesn't surprise me. Who is it? Four?"
I flinch and look at him for the first time. He is quite attractive, but not as good looking as Tobias.
"How do you know that?"
"You guys are the power-couple of Vine. Everyone knows that. And judging by his profile that says 'in a relationship' and your reaction, I'd bet my life that you two are going out."
I arrive at the punching bags. "You're right, Vinnie. But the question is: You are still here because…?"
"Touché. I'll see you around."
I mumble, "No you won't."
Although I don't have tape for my knuckles, I begin punching anyway as I listen to my playlist since I never turned it off while I was talking to Vinnie.
After only five minutes of punching, I feel a tap on the shoulder.
"Vinnie—" I spin on my heel, only to come face-to-face with one of my former best-friends.
"Lynn!" I yell and hug her. Although she's never really been one to hug, she does it back with great force.
"I've missed you so much," she says as we pull back. "How are you?"
"I heard our whole little part of town was buzzing about me, so you probably know." I smirk.
She nods. "But only the basic stuff, like how you're in the Philharmonic in San Fran. How are you really?"
"Meh," I say solemnly, but smile. "I have a boyfriend that you'll probably get really mad about," I say, knowing she can be extremely overprotective.
"Who? Do I know him?" she asks cautiously.
"Well… We were visiting L.A. for a few days and I saw him walking toward me on the sidewalk. You won't believe who it was," I lie.
"Who?" she asks anxiously.
"Logan Lerman."
"What?!" she screams. "How?! That boy is gorgeous! If he wanted me, I'd turn straight for him!"
I laugh. "No, Lynn, I'm joking." I turn serious. Then nervous. "Four. I'm dating Four."
"Seriously, Tris, stop lying. Now tell me who it is."
"I'm not lying, Lynn." I smile at the thought of him.
"How? Did he move to San Francisco and you two happen to run into each other?"
I nod. "Basically."
"Yet you gave him another chance after how he treated you back then?" she asks in awe.
"Yes. I did. I promise you, he's different than he was five years ago."
She shakes her head. "Tris…," she says warningly, "I don't what I'm going to do with you."
"Anyway," I say, hoping to divert the subject, "how are you?"
She shrugs. "I'm trying to find a job, but it's hard to get one in this hell-hole."
"What'd you go to college for?"
"To be a policewoman."
"No shit?" I ask.
"Yeah, why?"
"Four is a policeman. And I bet, if you asked him really, super-duper nicely, he'd be able to recommend you. Y'know, in San Francisco," I say with a lot of hope in my voice.
"Are you implying I move to San Francisco?" she asks with a knowing smile.
"Yes," I bluntly say.
"I don't know, Tris… San Francisco?"
"Yes! We could hang out and be best-friends again!"
She doesn't say anything and looks away. "I'll think about it. But until then, give me you number," she says.
I gladly read off my digits to her and she says she'll definitely call me sometime next week when she has made her decision. I think she's highly considering it.
I go back to punching vigorously for about an hour when it's 10:30. That's a little more than an hour that I have to go to the warehouse.
I start running there. You'd think I'd forget the route, but after doing it for five months every day, it sticks in the back of your mind. I arrive there after 15 minutes of jogging.
I carefully walk inside the warehouse, not knowing what to expect. The door slams, then I hear an unexpected rustling upstairs, which causes me to jump. I quickly and not-so-quietly head upstairs to the third floor.
I see wet paintbrushes and new, wet paint. "Hello?" I yell. No response except for my echo against the walls. "If there's someone here, I won't hurt you unless you try to attack me."
A girl that looks about sixteen or seventeen comes around the corner. She has long blonde hair about the shade of mine and dark brown eyes. She's quite pretty.
"How did you find this place?" she asks.
I smile. "How did you find this place?"
"I asked you first," she retorts.
"I did all of the paintings on the first two floors." I smirk. "Now—"
She runs towards me. "Oh my god. Tris Prior. I love you, your artwork, and your music! Oh my god I can't believe you're standing in front of me right now."
"How do you know my name is Tris Prior?" I take a step back.
"You signed your name at the bottom of all your paintings. I kind of looked you up on the internet and it said you were in the San Francisco Philharmonic. Then I started listening to your solos and fell in love. Anyway, I hope you're not mad that I started doing the third floor. I found this place about a year ago when I was sixteen. I come here all the time now. Mainly I spent the first six months admiring your paintings. I'd never attempted painting, but when I saw your work I just had to try it. Now it's addicting. My favorite one of yours is the one that says 'It's Never Too Late.'"
She starts walking to the second floor, probably to come see her favorite painting by me.
"Sometimes I just sit in front of this for hours and think." She leans against the wall opposite if the painting.
I smile. "I've never actually met a fan. What's your name?"
"Jo. Jo Ashton."
There are a few minutes of silence.
"I had my first kiss right in this spot," I say, smiling back at the memory.
She looks over at me and smiles, although I'm still looking at the painting, reminiscing.
"Well, Jo," I say, snapping out of my daze, "why don't you show me some of your stuff?"
"Really?"
I nod.
We get up and head upstairs.
Over the next forty-five minutes, she shows me four paintings and explains them.
"Listen," I say as she is about to move on to the next one. I check my phone. "It's already 11:50 and I have to be back at my house at noon. I'd really love to see the rest of them, but I have to go. I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry. You should have stopped me earlier. I tend to ramble," she reasons.
"No, really, I enjoyed this. It was really nice meeting you, Jo." I give her a warm smile.
"Wait!" she says. She pulls something out of her pocket and something from her supplies. A permanent marker and her white Smartphone with a clear case.
"Will you sign this?"
I smile and take them from her hands.
I hand them back to her.
"Thank you so much." She grins.
"I'm glad there's someone taking care of this place. Thank you, Jo." Then, before she can from a coherent thought, I walk downstairs and out the door.
;-;
Tobias and I settle on the couch after he picks me up from the airport. It's about four o'clock. In Chicago it'd be about six because of daylight savings time, but we had to go back two hours.
"Tris," he softly says in my ear. As of now, my head lies on his chest and my knees are pulled up to my stomach, like a fetus, as he sits up on the couch. His arm is wrapped around my shoulders and mine is wrapped against his waist.
"Yeah?" I whisper back, not bothering to open my eyes.
"Did everything go alright? You don't have to afraid to tell me things." He pulls me closer at this.
"I'm not, Tobias, I promise. I ran into Lynn. She's thinking about moving out here."
"Really?"
I nod. "Yeah. I'm pretty excited. I know you don't like her very much, but she's the only real friend I've had up until now."
"If you like her, I like her." He rubs my arm slowly.
There are a few minutes of silence.
"You know that art studio of mine back in Chicago?" I ask.
"How could I forget where the best and worst thing happened to me?" he asks. He's referring to our first kiss, which was pretty great, and my rejection towards him.
"Yeah, yeah. Well when I went there, I found a seventeen-year-old girl there taking over on the third floor. She said she was a really big fan of my music and art. I signed her phone." I chuckle.
"That's amazing." He kisses the top of my head. "But I'll always be your #1 fan."
I look up at him. He winks and I roll my eyes, laying my head back on his chest.
I begin to drift off after about fifteen minutes of silence.
"Tris," he whispers, "are you asleep?"
"Yes," I whisper back.
He chuckles.
"Okay." He gets up.
I groan. "Teddy, come back, you're my pillow," I whine.
He chuckles. He scoops me into his arms and carries me into his bedroom. I'm not the least bit nervous after I slept with him on the couch. It just felt like everything was in place… It was natural.
He carefully sets me down and puts me under the covers.
"I'll take the couch," he whispers and kisses my head.
"No," I whine and pat the space next to me in his queen size bed.
"You sure?" he asks hesitantly.
"Jeesh, Tobias, it's not like we're having sex." I can't control the words that come out of my mouth and I'm too tired to blush, so I don't really care.
"You know it's only five o'clock, right?" He walks towards me and climbs in bed. "I could have plans."
"I highly doubt that." My eyes groggily open and look at him.
He wraps his arms around me. "And why's that?"
"Because you wouldn't make plans the day I come back." I yawn.
"You are correct. I have no life."
"Pft. Let's get real, Tobias. I'm your life," I joke.
There is a silence for a while.
I begin to drift off, but I hear Tobias whisper, "That you are."