35
Tris's POV
"Nervous?" Harrison asks as we walk the path toward the Hub, where the council is meeting.
"A little bit," I say and he laughs.
"Don't be. Today you only sit in and listen to what people have to say, take notes and write down any questions you might have for me later," he reassures me. I nod and we enter the lobby.
We wait for the elevator when I hear familiar voices. I turn around and see my dad, followed by two other Abnegation councilmen and Marcus Eaton. I frown when I see the latter. I almost forgot he will be here too. I need to remain calm and not cause a scene, mainly for Tobias's sake. Marcus might not know that Tobias is Four and that he is my boyfriend, but I don't want Tobias to hear I had an altercation with his father. Knowing my hot-headed boyfriend, he will probably march to Marcus and beat him up. And the fact that he has now the strength of a dragon isn't making things easier.
"Good morning, Harrison," one of the Abnegation greats the Dauntless leader.
"Good morning, Jonah, Andrew, Michael," he says. "Marcus," he acknowledges albeit more forced and cold.
"Harrison," Marcus answers and walks past us to take the stairs, like an Abnegation would.
"Beatrice?" I hear my dad ask and look at him.
"Hi, dad," I say smiling. I step closer and pull my dad in a hug. I don't care that Abnegation frowns upon gestures like hugging or hand shaking. He is my dad and I didn't even realize how much I missed him.
"Beatrice?" Jonah asks.
"It's Tris, actually," I say as I pull back and look at the councilman.
"You look so different," dad says.
"Well, I'm Dauntless now. Dad, can we have a word?" I ask and he looks around, seemingly asking permission. I can only assume the others are okay with this because he nods and pulls me to the side. "Dad, I wanted to tell you I'm sorry," I say and feel embarrassed. I know that I chose Dauntless because I didn't fit into Abnegation, but leaving my parents was the hardest thing I could do. I love them, but my duty toward the innocent is more important.
"For what?" he asks bewildered.
"For leaving," I say and search his eyes. They are as warm and caring as I remember them.
"Oh sweetheart, you chose for yourself. I know it was difficult for you. It was for me too when I left Erudite," he confesses for the first time. I could pretend right now that I didn't know that but decide to be honest with him.
"I figured. Don't be mad, but mom told me that you both were transfers," I say sheepishly.
"She did?" he asks but then smiles. "Well, that was a pretty Dauntless thing of her to do, but I guess that's what I get for marrying a Dauntless transfer." We both laugh and dad hugs me again, placing a kiss on my head. "Sweetheart, I am not mad at you and your brother. You both chose the life that was right for you. I won't lie and tell you it didn't hurt me, but frankly it would have surprised me to see you choose Abnegation. You were always such an adventurous girl, always curious, always taking risks. Your mom told me she kept an eye on you after you transferred. She has her best friend still living in Dauntless, Hana I think her name is." Dad and I pull apart and I look at him surprised. I wonder what else mom told him. "Hana stopped by at our house right before your final test and told us how great you are doing. Your mother and I are so proud of you," he says a little chocked up. I would have thought my dad would be angry or disappointed in me.
"Thanks, dad. You have no idea what that means to me." Just as he wants to say something Harrison calls us to get into the elevator. We promise each other to talk some more during the breaks and give each other one final hug.
"So, Beatrice," Michael says and I correct him.
"It's Tris now."
"Right. My apologies. Harrison here told us you ranked first. Congratulations," he says kindly.
"Thanks," I say. "But aren't you considering me a faction traitor?" I ask bluntly.
"No," Jonah answers and I look to both Michael and my dad. Both look surprised I would even ask such a thing.
"Really?"
"Tris, just because you chose differently doesn't mean our faction hates you," Jonah explains. "Sure, there are some who dislike dependents that defect but that doesn't mean we consider you a traitor. I transferred from Amity and your father," he starts saying but then stops realizing his mistake.
"Go on, she knows," dad says smiling.
"Your father came from Erudite. You chose what was right for you and in the end, that's all that matters. Each individual has his or her role in the city, regardless of faction."
"Wow, I never thought I would hear any of you talk like that," I say sincerely.
"Just because we follow the rules doesn't mean we always agree," Michael says but before I can inquire what he meant the elevator door opens and we all step outside. The Abnegation take their places and I follow Harrison to ours.
We sit down and shortly the session starts. From the corner of my eye I can see Jeanine glaring at me. The bruise I gave her is almost completely gone, but the cold stare in her eyes is as deadly as ever.
Marcus starts talking about this problem and that difficulty. At some point, he and Jeanine get into a verbal fight and are only calmed by Jack Kang, leader of Candor and Jonah, one of the Abnegation leaders.
I wonder how any sane person can sit through this crap every week. I would much rather fight an army of undead than sit here and listen to these boneheads argue about minuscule things like plumbing and street lightning.
By lunch we go to the cafeteria and to my surprise we are allowed to sit together. I sit next to my dad wanting to catch up. I'm glad I took this job. It didn't even occur to me that I would be able to see my dad this way.
We just chat idly about small things and I tell dad about my new life and how much I like it in Dauntless. To my misfortune, Marcus sits down across from us and comments that I should sit with my leader. I want to say something, but then my dad replies.
"It's not against any law for her to sit here with us," he says and glares at his friend.
"She is Dauntless now, Andrew, there's no more place for her in Abnegation," Marcus bites back. "Please, leave this table, Beatrice or I'll have to remove you myself." He did not just say that.
"If you lay one finger on my girlfriend, I'm going to break it," I hear Tobias growl. I don't even have to turn around to know how angry he is.
"Tobias?" Marcus asks dumbfounded.
"My name is Four," he says. I get up and stand in front of him, taking his hand in mine.
"Calm down, babe," I think and he nods. This telepathy thing sure comes in handy.
"Did he touch you?" Tobias asks me in my mind.
"No. Besides you know what I could do to him. Don't worry. He isn't worth it," I try to reassure him through my thoughts.
"Four, what are you doing here?" Harrison asks, coming to join us.
"Max send me with this file. He needs your signature," Tobias says. That's odd. Max could have send someone else.
"Oh, yes. Right. Thank you, Four."
"Why are they calling you Four, Tobias?" Marcus asks and stands up. I turn around and see the angry look on Marcus's face, the bewildered one on the rest of the Abnegation.
"Because that's his name. He chose it, just like I chose Tris. This is the Dauntless way. I don't expect you to understand it," I say grabbing his hand in mine. "By the way, dad. This is Four, my boyfriend." I don't wait for anyone to acknowledge or say anything but grab Tobias's hand in mine and drag him out.
We go up to the roof and for a moment I'm not sure I should do this. I mean, Tobias didn't say anything during our flights but maybe being just human on a roof is too much for him. I don't know for sure if he got over his fear of heights.
"I'm fine," he says and I look surprised. "I heard you," he clarifies. I nod.
"I still need to get used to this," I say.
"We both need to practice and create a strong connection," he says kissing my lips. "But right now, I'm glad you kept the connection open. I could feel your anger and somehow knew it was because of Marcus. That's when I decided to come here," he tells me and pulls me in his arms.
"Wait. You could feel all the way across the city?" I ask dumbfounded.
"Yes. I know you can protect yourself but I felt this urge to do it myself. I guess my dragon wants his mate safe and sound," he says with a chuckle.
"I guess. What was that all about with the file?" I ask and pull away to look at him. He gives me a sheepish look and then turns his gaze away. "That was bogus, wasn't it?" He only nods. "It's okay. I'm glad you came. I've missed you," I say and stand on my tip-toes to kiss him. He turns just in time and our lips meet in a sweet, loving kiss.
I don't know how long we've been here, but I feel someone approaching. I pull back from Tobias's lips and he immediately pouts. But as he looks over my head to the person who joined us I feel him tense up. I turn around and find my father standing there, an almost angry look on his face.
"Dad?" I ask.
"Beatrice, we need to talk," he says using my old name.
"If it's about Four, he will stay," I say firmly. My dad looks surprised, but I'm not sure whether it is because I guessed what he wanted or that I defy him. Dad nods and steps closer.
"I think you are too young to have a boyfriend." Here we go. "And I don't know much about Tobias," he says but I interrupt.
"He's name is Four. And mine's Tris," I say and step in front of my father.
"Babe, calm down. That's your dad," Tobias thinks. I try to do as he says and take a deep breath.
"It's hard to get used to the new name," dad says. "I only want what's best for you," he says his eyes tearing up a little. I've never seen my dad so emotional.
"Dad," I say almost in a whisper. "I know you love me and I love you too. And I know you want what's best for me. But why do you think Four isn't just that? Because of something Marcus might have said? Dad, I don't know Marcus the way you do, but you don't know him the way I do," I say and my dad raises an eyebrow, obviously not understanding what I'm saying. I don't want to reveal secrets that aren't mine. "All I'm asking is to trust me. Trust my judgement. And trust the fact that you and mom raised a smart enough person to know what is right for her. Four isn't perfect and neither am I. But, dad, we love each other. Very much," I say the last part and grab Tobias's hand. "He would do anything to protect me. If I'd be in danger, he would be there taking a bullet for me. And I would do the same for him. This isn't just infatuation. We are past that," I say.
"Beatrice… Tris," dad says and looks from me to Tobias. "You are just so young," he says sighing.
"Mom and you weren't any older. Listen, we are not planning on getting married or start a family anytime soon. But we love each other. In the end, there is nothing you could do to stop us. We live in another faction and even if we were in Abnegation we would still find a way to be with each other. I don't expect you to be happy about this or accept him right away or anything at all. The only thing I expect from you is that you trust me. If this is wrong, let it be my mistake. If you have concerns, talk about them with me. But don't judge him based on rumors or hurt feelings. If anything, Four is a better person than I'll ever be. And you should be happy he is so respectful and caring and protective."
"Tris, please, I just," dad starts saying but stops.
"Tris, could you please give me a moment with your father?" Tobias asks surprising me. I try to find out what he wants but, somehow, he blocks me out of his mind. I don't know if I should be pissed for him keeping secrets from me or happy he could block me. I only nod and get inside. But I stay nearby trying to eavesdrop. Thankfully, there is no door to block the sound.
"Listen, boy. I don't care about what Marcus is saying about you being a faction traitor and whatnot. I know he is hurt because you left him. But that's my little girl. I love her more than anything and no matter how old she is or where she is I will always protect her." I smile to myself.
"Mr. Prior, I love Tris. She is the love of my life," Tobias says and my smile widens even more. "I know what you want to say, that we're too young. But we are not. You were just as young when you fell in love with your wife and I know my parents where young too. This isn't something out of the ordinary and I know that you want to protect Tris. Trust me, so do I. But she is her own person and she learned to protect herself. I am so proud of her. She ranked first and she is a true leader. She didn't want to become one, but it was offered to her. I work every day to be worthy of her. Do we fight sometimes? Yes, but never once did it ever cross my mind to hurt her. I swear to you, I would rip my own arm out before hurting her in anyway. Will it be rough? Of course, it will. But that's life. And I want to spend my life with her. All I can ask of you is a chance to prove to you that I love her more than anything in this world."
Tears gather in my eyes. I can't listen in anymore because I feel someone approaching. To my misfortune, it's the one person I do want to kill, regardless of the fact that he is human. Marcus.
"What do you want, Marcus?" I ask not polite at all.
"Watch your tongue, girl," he says glaring at me. "I am here to talk to my son about this nonsense of you two dating." I feel Tobias's anger. I know he must have sensed Marcus or maybe even heard him.
"Stay there. And keep my dad with you," I say in my mind.
"What is it to you if Four and I are dating," I say emphasizing Tobias's Dauntless name.
"That's not his name. I don't want you to date my son. He might have chosen Dauntless, but he is still my son. He deserves better than a little, frail girl like you," Marcus snarls.
"Yeah? And who are you to decide that?" I ask mockingly.
"I am his father!" Marcus almost yells.
"Marcus Eaton, you are a scumbag and you know it. I don't give a furry rats ass about you being his father. A father is more than a sperm donor. And you, sir, are not a father. And if you ever get close to the man I love again I am going to end you," I threaten, my voice louder and I am shaking violently.
"Is that a threat?" Marcus asks with a laugh.
"No, a promise. If you ever touch him again I am going to murder you, slowly and painfully and I'll be watching as the last bits of life leave your pathetic body," I tell him seriously hoping to cause a reaction. He doesn't disappoint and immediately his right hand locks around my throat and he squeezes tightly as he lifts me off the ground.
"You will regret this!" Marcus growls.
"No, you will!" I hear Tobias and feel him yank Marcus away from me. I fall to the ground and draw in air. I watch as Tobias starts punching his father and I jump up.
"Tobias! Stop!" I yell. He stops punching his father and turns around to look at me. He inspects my neck and I see his eyes turn dark, his dragon probably trying to come out and end Marcus for hurting me. "I'm fine."
"Beatrice," I hear my father and realize I had forgotten all about him. I turn around and look at the horrified look on his face. Damn, now he'll think Tobias is an aggressive brute that could hurt me any minute. My dad kneels down to where I am and inspects my neck. "I can't believe Marcus did this," he says in a whisper, incredulous.
"Tris, are you alright? Did he hurt you anywhere else?" Tobias asks frantic. I look back at him, he looks pained and tortured.
"I'm fine," I say, my voice a little hoarse.
Just as I turn around to look at my dad I see Harrison, Jack Kang and a few other councilmen coming up, obviously wondering what all the ruckus was all about. As they see Marcus on the floor bloody and motionless one of them calls for an ambulance, while the others start asking questions. Tobias immediately takes responsibility for what happened and Harrison and Jack Kang go to cuff him to send him to Candor for questioning.
"That's not necessary," I say.
"Tris, he committed a crime," Harrison says with empathy.
"No, he didn't He saved me," I say. From the corner of my eye I see Jeanine snickering, obviously enjoying this.
"Tris, Four just attacked the head of the council," Jack says. Despite having known him for just this morning he seems an honest person. I guess that's what you would expect from a Candor leader.
"Will you stop. All of you!" I yell over the chatter. "Marcus Eaton attacked me. We had an argument. He wasn't happy about me dating Four," I say and leave out that Four is actually Tobias Eaton.
"Why would he be upset about that?" Jack asks incredulous.
"Because my real name is Tobias Eaton," Tobias says from behind me surprising me.
"I still don't understand," Michael says.
"Marcus wasn't happy about his son dating a frail, little girl like me. We got into a verbal fight and when I threatened him he grabbed me and chocked me. Four rescued me. He isn't to blame."
"That's a nice story. But we will get the facts once all of you are under truth serum," Jeanine says triumphantly. Everyone looks at her. I guess not everyone was thinking that far ahead.
"You want facts?" I ask with a smirk, making sure she sees me. "Why don't we look at the footage from the security camera?" I ask and point at the one above us that must have recorded everything.
"I didn't even know there was one," Jonah says surprise.
"Well, there is one," I say.
"We should watch this first," Harrison says. "Michael, can you make sure Marcus is been taken care of?" he asks and Michael nods.
The rest of us go back to the conference room and Jack Kang goes to retrieve the video footage from the control room of the Hub. Harrison, Tobias and I sit in the Dauntless seats while the rest of the council in their respective seats. My dad comes over to make sure I'm alright and I try to avoid looking at him.
"That was foolish!" he admonishes.
"Yeah?" I ask a little defiant.
"Beatrice, watch your tone," he scolds.
"Sorry, dad."
"Your dad is right. Marcus is dangerous. He could have hurt you even more," Tobias says pulling me in his arms.
"Did you know there was a camera there?" Harrison asks and I nod.
"Hang on. You wanted to provoke him?" my dad asks.
"Yes. I wanted to see if he had the balls to attack me in public. And he did."
"Tris, that was a stupid thing to do," Tobias says disapprovingly.
"Tris, the threat you made," my dad says and I look at him. "I heard what you said. How could you even say those things?" dad asks, his tone unbelieving, his eyes disapproving.
"Because she loves me just as much as I love her. I would do anything to keep her safe and she would do the same for me," Tobias says.
"But," dad says stuttering.
"Mr. Prior, the Erudite reports about me are true," Tobias says leaving my dad speechless.