Chapter: 23 Explanations and Future Promises

*Tris POV*

As I sit quietly absorbing all of the information presented to us. I start to feel so cold and detached. The married Grey couple explain that they were brought in from Providence a couple of days after the memory serum accident. They explained to me the complete chaos that was here. So many people wandering around, not knowing what to do, what to feel.

The Greys were part of a very large team that had been brought in. Ranging from medical personal, security, cooking staff, cleaning crews, and of course leadership.

It was a week after their arrival that they had been brought up to speed on my condition and the fact that I had indeed survived the rebel shooting, but only because I had been placed on life support. I was placed on life support for the sole purpose of testing. All signs indicated complete lack of brain function.

They apologized for the deception – but they truly believed that there was no possibility that I would ever recover. They wanted to give my loved ones closure – but also continue with testing as I had already been identified as vital for information gathering in regards to the Chicago experiment.

They explained my corpse-like body was due to a temporary drug that slowed my body function to appear dead. I am stunned, and my friends appear to be as well. I feel Christina stiffen next to me, and then I see she has to wipe some tears off of her face.

Dr. Grey advises that just a couple of weeks before my escape, the team had realized that I was indeed alive. It was almost a miracle that my mind had healed itself. They also fully expected that I would have been impacted by the memory serum, as I was found in the room with David. And David has no memories any longer.

"When Tris came out of her coma and was screaming for Tobias Eaton, we instantly knew that her memories were intact. She was hysterical and her body was not able to handle the stress. Her blood pressure immediately spiked, she was inconsolable. We had to immediately sedate her." Dr. Grey said, looking at Nurse Gabriela, who looks at me – smiling sadly but also nodding her head in agreement.

I feel my eyes prickle with tears. I don't take my eyes off of Dr. Grey. I can't look at Tobias right now. I remember vividly crying out for him, my fear was that he would have ended his life. "You die, I die too." I guess in way, that is just what he did. A tear rolls down my cheek, which I quickly wipe away. I love him so much, but he is gone. The man he was at least. I do not look at him.

And suddenly I feel Caleb's hand slip into mine, gently squeezing it. He leans over and whispers to me, "I love you Beatrice." I see his eyes are gleaming with tears. And in that moment I realize, I don't regret my decision to save my brother. I love him too.

Ms. Laura Grey asks me if I would like to take a break. "No, I need you to continue. Please go on." I state firmly. She nods her head, almost approvingly.

They do a high overview of the testing that had been performed on me. I can almost see the drool from Caleb and Cara, she is seated on Caleb's other side, as they lean forward to absorb more information. They are such intellectuals.

And then they explain that they had every intention of helping me through my rehabilitation in order to get me back into society. They just wanted to make sure it was actually safe for me. When Tobias had taken me, they feared that it was someone from the Rebel group that was working to destroy the goal of unity between those of different genetic make ups. They had no video of my kidnapping – and the three guards that had been over powered had no idea who Tobias was in order to identify him.

After all of the information of the why and how that is thrown at us, I am presented with choices.

First, they feel the need to financially compensate me for the time I had served in regards to testing. And of course for my previous service at David's side. I am even offered my own apartment at the bureau.

Second – they have identified three different projects in which my assistance would be an incredible asset. They would like me to make a life here – by choice. In an area of my choosing, where I can find a passion to help. Just like my mother had done so many years ago.

They will give me few days to think about it, as they would like to give me a tour of the three different labs associated with each project to help in my decision.

The meeting ends with Dr. Grey offering me his deepest apologies for how the end was handled, it was not his intention to ever make me feel trapped. I nod my head, I do want to move forward.

And lastly, Ms. Grey offers me the keys and general directions to my new apartment. My apartment is located in one of the nicest sectors of the bureau, I remember that David used to have her apartment in that general area.

My mind is reeling. I also turn to Christina and ask her if she will spend the night at my new apartment.

"Try to get rid of me just yet. I am not letting you out of my sight. And either is Cara." She assures me. I smile at both girls gratefully. Caleb immediately offers to walk us there.

I breathe in and turn to Tobias and Zeke. I know that it is time to part ways, at least for tonight. Tobias's face is unreadable. So much so I find it unnerving. I see him, but there are moments I feel like I am looking at a complete stranger.

Zeke informs me that he will invite himself over the next day to check out my new digs. He gives me a warm hug and then steps back and looks at Tobias expectantly. No pressure – I think to myself. I decide to take the lead.

"Again Tobias, thank you for everything. I know I would not be standing here right now – if it wasn't for you taking a chance on it being me." I say softly, I can't seem to make my eyes meet his. I am terrified what I will see there. More rejection probably. I feel like such a coward, but there is only so much I can take right now.

In that moment Cara suggests that the group give Tobias and me some privacy, I then look at his face and see the immediate apprehension that passes across his features. He doesn't even want to be alone with me.

I feel like I have been punched in the stomach. I quickly interject, "Tobias and I don't really have anything else to discuss. I am tired and want to get home. Good night Zeke and Tobias." I force a smile and then turn on my heels and quickly walk out the door into the hallway towards my new apartment.

Knowing that Caleb, Christina and Cara will follow me. Also knowing that Tobias won't.