Tris

I'm alone again. Christina left an hour ago to get us some clean clothes. Initially I had Zeke pick up some of Tobias' clothes before we knew he was in a coma. I've been wearing his so often that they are starting to smell like me and less like him. Knowing Christina, she's probably buying me some new ones, claiming that wearing Tobias' clothes all the time isn't suitable for the girl who nearly died protecting the people of Chicago. I don't like when she puts it like that. I didn't stop a destructive bomb from being dropped on the city. In my mind all I wanted was to prevent the people from being taken advantage of again. I'm not the hero she wants me to be; I can't even save my own boyfriend.

I drop my head into my hands. Lately, I have been very down on myself. And there's the fact that neither Matthew nor Amar have been returning any of my calls has been extremely frustrating.

I am standing in the hallway now, leaning against the wall. The nurse came in to clean Tobias shortly after Christina left. It isn't a glamorous job; I left the room because I could bare to see her change his diaper. I'm not ashamed of him and I don't pity him either. Just seeing him there doing nothing—not talking, not moving, not smiling— just laying there, it's hard to see him like that. I would even give to see him punch someone for no reason at all. When I met him he seemed invincible. Of course, I've learned my lesson; no one is invincible, not even me. But Tobias always seemed more resilient that me, more sure of himself. The only time I ever questioned that was when he plotted with Nita to attack the compound. And now I don't even count it.

That particular event remains at the forefront of my memories is because that was what led to Uriah's death, or so the Bureau doctors made us believe. We'd all thought him brain dead after that. It has been on my mind lately, wondering if all this time that it has been part of a conspiracy by the Bureau. I also wonder if I should continue to trust Matthew.

Something buzzes in my pocket; one of those mobile devices that are popular outside of the city. Of course, no one living in the fringe can afford them but Matthew gave me one to keep in contact. It takes me a moment before I reach into my pocket and check the caller ID.

Caleb.

I put the phone back into my pocket. I know that I shouldn't ignore him at a time like this but I don't want to worry him. I resign to call him if anything changes.

"Tris."

I look up and see a tall figure approaching me.

"Returning my calls would have sufficed. You didn't have to come all the way down here." There is a bitterness to my voice that I don't entirely intend.

Amar swipes a hand over his face. "Look Tris, I can't begin to fathom what you're going through and how much you want answers but I need you to come with me right now."

"What?"

Amar's right hand goes to his hip and I notice the gun holstered there. "I have men downstairs ready to take us to the compound."

"What's going on?"

"Tris, there isn't any time for questions. The answers are waiting for you with the Bureau. I was sent to secure your transport."

I shake my head but the rest of my body is frozen. "I can't leave Tobias."

"He'll be taken care of Tris. This is a matter of your security."

He reaches for my hand with his left and I am still trying to process why his right hand is removing the his gun from his hip.

"What about Christina," I say "I have to tell her."

"Christina will be meeting us there. No need to worry."

Amar's hand is grasping my elbow. I look down. There is no ring on his left ring finger, not even a tan line to mark where it sat.

I pull my arm back from his reaching grasp. "Amar, where's George?"

"George is—"

I grab his left hand and twist it with force. I sense his right hand holding the gun and use my forearm to block his. Ducking low, I swipe my leg, knocking him from his feet. He hits the ground hard but I know he's not unconscious. I scramble, my eyes searching for the gun. I was too preoccupied with my offense to listen for the clatter. I spot it! In front of the closed door to Tobias' room.

I sprint the short distance, the door creaking. I twist to see the nurse open the door, presumably finished with her duties. "Go back inside!" Her eyes go wide and just before something tugs my hair, pulling my head along with it. I lose my balance and my legs and feet are dragging behind me. I cock the gun and fire.

He grunts but I know I didn't inflict a wound. Amar pulls me down but I use his momentary confusion to shift, wrenching away from his arms.

Instead of retreating, he rushes towards me, his body pressing me into the wall. We are fighting over the gun. I can't let him win, no matter what. For all I know, he could have intercepted Christina and she could already be in danger.

Playing dirty, I bite his arm hard. "Bitch!"

But I don't stop. I keep on the offense just as Tobias trained me. I kick him between the legs and the Amar impostor goes down. Moving to stand behind him I take the butt of the gun and jab it into the back of his head. His body stiffens and then goes limp. I let go, watching as his body crashes to the floor.

"You're not Amar," I say.