Disclaimer: I don't own Divergent.

May 8th: Tris

"It's honestly better this way," Christina pipes up from the passenger seat, "Can you imagine how boring of a wedding date Tobias would be?"

I snort, "Don't be mean, Chris."

"I'm serious! Your boyfriend is kind of a snooze… Anyways, this is gonna be fun! We can make up accents and create fake backstories! Oooo, what if we're adoptive sisters who ran away from the Australian Circus because the pressure of performing was just too much for us. 'Ello mate!"

"Um, as much as I would love to partake in… that… people at this wedding already know me."

"Right, you met Tiffany's family!"

"Yup, and they all know I'm Tobias's girlfriend… so I gotta represent him well."

"Oh, hush. You will! By the way, you look hot."

"Thanks, Chris, you too."

It took me a while to find the right dress to wear to Tiffany and Marcus's wedding, but I instantly fell in love with a velvety emerald green midi dress that I found at the department store. It goes to my knee and has a slit for leg room. The fact that it's skin tight with spaghetti straps makes me feel a bit insecure, but I've also found that my confidence has grown lots in these past few months. I paired it with my mother's white stiletto heels.

Christina also looks stunning in her dress, which is an adorable red number that shows off her long legs and curves. She'll definitely receive many advances by single guys at the wedding, no doubt. She's lucky that Will isn't the jealous or overprotective type. He probably wouldn't even be bothered by hearing about other guys hitting on her. Good for her, I honestly can't say the same for my boyfriend.

I probably won't get to talk to Tobias until the reception, he's the best man and his duties will probably keep him occupied. Still, I'm excited to hear the toast he has planned. After he opened up to me about his conflicting feelings about the wedding, we've had a few more talks about it these past couple of weeks.

It's definitely going to be weird for him to watch Marcus marry someone who isn't his mother, but I can tell he's really happy. He deserves a family, after all.

We enter the Ritz, which happens to be the place in which Tiffany and Marcus first reunited after all those years, and where Marcus proposed to her back in January. Naturally they would have their wedding here too. The wedding is happening in almost record time, too, which is shocking because looking around it seems to be an incredibly elaborate affair.

I guess when you're Marcus Eaton and Tiffany Hayes you have an entire team of planners, though. It definitely made things easier on them. I glance around and don't see the rest of my family here yet.

Not many people are even seated right now either, so we probably have some more time before the ceremony starts. Christina and I mill about the large ballroom, I see some familiar faces of my father's business associates, but no one I can name.

That is, until I hear a steely voice pipe up behind me, "Hello, Tris."

I turn back slowly, and come face to face with Peter, who is looking at me with his usual smirk. A shiver runs up my spine at the look he gives me with his watery green eyes, but I force myself to square my shoulders and stare at him straight.

Peter definitely gives me the creeps, but I feel like it might all be in my head, even though I've met plenty of sleaze bags like him in the past to recognize one. Tobias seems to like him well enough though, and hasn't said anything about unusual behavior from him. I'll just try to be civil.

"Hi Peter," I say evenly, looking him over briefly. He's in one of the groomsmen outfits, and his black hair is gelled to the side instead of in its usual mess of curls. He's attractive, in a cocky and smug sort of way.

"You look… very pretty. My future stepbrother certainly is a lucky man," he muses, eyeing me up and down in a manner that urges me to cover up immediately.

"Uh- thank you. Um, this is my friend, Christina," I gesture to her. She's staring at Peter with narrowed eyes.

"I know you," she says instead of a typical greeting, "You… did you go to Candor Elementary?"

Peter maintains his steely look, and cocks his head, "Yeah, I did. I remember you."

"I remember you too, you and your little entourage used to pull horror tricks on the rest of us kids in Mr. Kang's class."

Peter lets out a very fake sounding laugh, "Yeah, I was a little rascal as a child. Apologies, Christina. You look rather lovely today as well," someone else seems to catch his attention and he lifts his gaze, "Excuse me."

"Can you believe that guy?" Christina asks with a scoff once he's out of earshot.

"He's creepy," I tell her seriously.

"Yeah, no doubt about it. He was the class bully in first grade. I'm so glad I got out of that school, if I had stayed I would probably have had more trauma from him."

"I'm glad you got out of that school, too… Cuz then you came to my school and we became best friends," I link her elbow through mine.

"That is true! Anyways… does Tobias know that Tiffany's son is a total rat?"

"Nah, he seems to like him."

"You should tell him, Tris."

"Mmm… I don't even have any actual proof. I feel like it's sort of a girl thing, too, you know. Like we can instantly tell when a guy is slimy because we have experience with that sort of thing. He'll probably think I'm crazy. And who knows, we could be wrong and jumping to conclusions. Maybe he has changed since first grade."

Christina gives me a blank look and I sigh. "Look, Chris, Tobias is about to get… a real family and stuff! He's never had siblings and even when his mom was alive his home wasn't very lively. I don't wanna ruin any of it for him."

"Yeah, I get that."

"Besides, it's not like I've got to be around Peter. Look, if something actually happens, of course I'll tell Tobias. But for now, I say we leave it."

Christina, my blunt and forward friend who is all about extreme honesty all the time, doesn't seem to like this answer, but she nods anyway. "Come on, let's go find our seats."

We're seated in the second row, and half of my family takes up the rest of our row, and the other half sit behind us. They still haven't arrived yet, so Christina and I chat quietly about final exams coming up and point out outfits that various guests are wearing that we admire

All of a sudden my vision is obscured by two large hands covering my eyes, and then I hear my favorite voice whisper in my ear, "Guess who?"

I laugh, "The best man, abandoning his post?"

"Hey, I'll have you know I made sure everything was taken care of behind the scenes before I came to greet my beautiful girlfriend."

He uncovers my eyes and steps around my chair, kneeling down so we're eye level, "Hi," he whispers, taking my hand.

"Hey," I whisper back.

He leans in for a deep kiss, and my lips move slowly against his own. We only pull back when we hear an annoyed Christina clear her throat.

"Hey, Chris," Tobias shoots her a quick smile before turning back to me. "You look… so beautiful," he tells me genuinely, brushing my hair behind my neck.

I smile, and my fingers instinctively go to toy with his grandfather's band that he always wears. "You look quite handsome yourself." And he does. The groomsmen outfit suits him well, the suit coat accentuating his broad shoulders and the navy blue tie bringing out his eyes. His hair is messy and tousled and I just want to run my fingers through it…

"I love you," he responds earnestly, kissing my cheek.

"I love you more."

"Mmm… Not possib-"

"Okay, I can't sit through this," Christina interrupts. We both smile sheepishly at her. I suppose it would get really annoying to listen to us like this, especially since she is sans Will today.

"So…" I grin excitedly, "Today is the big day. You ready?"

"Uh, yeah. It's been a bit hectic, but they hired a really great planning team, and hell, I can tell that my dad really wants to do this."

"Yeah, how is the groom doing?"

"A little bit jittery, but still, he seems calm enough. We haven't seen Tiffany in the past 24 hours so we have no idea what her dress looks like… or anything."

"Yeah well it's bad luck to see the dress before the wedding."

"Hmmm… when we- I mean if we get married… I don't think I could go 24 hours without seeing you. Especially not right before our wedding. I'd be too excited."

I ignore his slip up. It was pretty endearing, but I'll save him the embarrassment of teasing him about it. "You would curse our marriage like that?" I ask with mock seriousness.

"We're meant to be, there's nothing that could curse us," he shoots me a wry grin and I laugh.

"Hello, kids!" I turn and see my mother, accompanied by the rest of my large family.

"Natalie!" Tobias goes to hug her and she fawns over how handsome he looks. Soon enough greetings are exchanged with everyone, my mother hugs Christina since it's been a while since they've gotten to catch up, and the little kids attack Tobias and my father gives him a firm handshake. When all of it is done, Tobias announces that he has to get back to his dad but he'll speak to us more at the reception.

My family takes their seats, and Caleb is next to me, as per usual. "You look nice," I tell him, nudging him a little bit.

"Thank you, Beatrice, so do you."

The wedding ceremony went by in a flash. Tobias, Peter, and Jasper were Marcus's groomsmen, and Allison was her mother's maid of honor, accompanied by Tiffany's sister and her college best friend.

Tiffany's dress was gorgeous. It was white, with full sleeves that were made of lace. It had a gorgeous tulle skirt that fanned out to give the bride leg room. They kept their vows simple and sweet, but their love for one another was obvious. As they said their I do's, I looked over to Tobias who was watching his father with emotion clouding his gaze.

He then shifted his eyes to me. All I could see in the look he gave me was pure love and adoration. The bride and groom then dashed down the aisle with everyone cheering after them. Now, it's time for the reception.

It's being held in another large ballroom, and I assist my parents in wrangling all of the kids over there. There are several large circular tables set up in this room, and the catering company they hired has already set up. The food looks delectable, as does the giant wedding cake sitting in the center of the room.

When we go to find our assigned seats, I notice that I'm not seated with the rest of my family or Christina. Instead, my place card is set up at the main table. I'm in between Tobias and… Peter. Great. I bid my family and Christina goodbye and promise my dad that I'll save a dance for him as I wait for everyone else to arrive.

Finally, Tobias shows up and he kisses me on the top of the head as he sits down. "I hope you don't mind, I asked you to be seated with me."

"No, I don't mind," I say gently, squeezing his hand. I can tell by the way his leg is shaking that he's nervous about his upcoming toast. I'm sure what he has planned will be great, though.

"I just wanted you up here with me."

"Yeah, I understand. I think my family will be able to survive my absence."

"How did your siblings enjoy the ceremony?"

I snort, "I'm pretty sure Chase and Carson were playing chopsticks the entire time… and Oliver fell asleep."

"Mmmm… don't blame them. I had to hold back a yawn when the pastor was saying all his lines."

"Hey guys!"

We turn and see Jasper with his usual jovial smile on his face. He takes a seat next to Tobias and we spend the next few minutes chatting about the ceremony. Peter and Allison eventually join us too, and I try to ignore the former.

At last, Marcus and Tiffany enter through the main set of double doors, and everyone claps for them as they take their seats at our table. Tiffany's reception dress is a stunning sky blue color with sleeves that are elbows length. The woman looks positively elated, the most happy I've ever seen her. It seems that she has a permanent smile on her face as she talks to her children animatedly. Marcus looks the same as well.

I give them both my congratulations. The first dance is coming up, but they tell us that they want to thank their guests and greet people before that happens. We watch as they make their rounds around the room, then, pausing for photographs and hugs occasionally.

"Mom looks so happy," Allison observes.

"She really does," Jasper responds.

"I've never seen her that happy, not even with dad," Allison states.

"What about Marcus, Tobias? Was he that happy with your mom?" Peter asks bluntly.

I'm not shy about the glare I shoot Peter at this forward question, and his siblings both gape at him as well. I feel as if it's two very different situations, and to compare them is unfair. Tiffany and her ex husband got divorced, whereas Evelyn passed away.

"Uh…" Tobias looks as if he doesn't know how to answer. "I mean- it's hard to remember. They were pretty happy, though…" it seems as if he's thinking out loud to himself. "That doesn't mean he doesn't love Tiffany, though. Because he does."

"Of course he does," Allison says gently, "Anyone in here can see that. It must have been so hard on him to lose his first wife like that."

Jasper nods in agreement, "It's amazing he's open to love again. Marcus is a great man," he tells Tobias, who seems brightened by his words.

I have the urge to kick Peter underneath the table, but I refrain. Soon enough, it is announced that the first dance is happening, and we all watch with endearment as Marcus and Tiffany share their first dance as husband and wife.

After the slow song plays, the music is amped up a little bit and many of the guests join them on the dancefloor. Tobias and I dance for a little bit, and he's so bad that it's hilarious. Christina eventually tracks us down, many of my siblings trailing behind her. I watch with a small smile as Tobias bends down to dance with Anna, meanwhile Christina and I jump up and down while screaming all the words to "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift.

When the next slow song comes on, Christina pats my shoulder and pushes me towards Tobias before making her way over to Oliver and asking for the honor. I laugh at the encounter as I lace my fingers through my boyfriends' smiling up at him. He twirls me and dips me low onto the floor and I'm wondered at his newfound coordination.

"Where did you learn all this?" I ask.

"Tiffany may have had us all take ballroom lessons before the wedding," he admits.

"Smart of her."

"I hope you know how happy I am to have you, Tris. I know I say it all the time… but I don't think I would've gotten through today if I didn't have someone I loved so much by my side. And thank God that person is you."

I wrap my arms around his waist and nuzzle my face into his chest, holding him close while we sway to the music, "I'm really happy to have you too, Tobias. I can't wait for our future."

We dance in silence for a few moments after that, not needing to say much. His hand grazes over my head gently, and we are only broken apart by someone saying, "Can I steal my daughter for a moment?"

"Of course, sir," Tobias nods, handing me off to my father.

"Hi dad," I say, placing my arms on his shoulders.

"Hi, Beatrice. You look lovely. So much like your mother."

I roll my eyes, "Oh, stop it dad."

"I'm serious! I know you don't see it, but you two are actually a lot alike. And everyday that you grow up I watch you turn into a brilliant woman just like her."

"I could only hope to be half as brilliant as mom."

"Don't be so self deprecating, Beatrice. Seeing you with Tobias, it's obvious how in love you two kids are."

"Yeah, well, I can only thank my lucky stars that I met him… otherwise I'd be…" I don't want to think about who I'd be without Tobias. Before we met, I always felt like I was grasping at things that I didn't even want, trying to find my place in the world. Now I know that my place is beside the people I love, because they'll always be there to support me.

"I get it. I met your mom around the same age that you met Tobias… and shortly after she got pregnant with Leo."

"I know, dad. I've heard the story plenty of times before."

"See, but what you don't know Beatrice, is how scared we were."

"Really?"

"Yeah… we were… holy hell, we were terrified."

"I thought you guys always had it so together, especially with grandma and grandpa's support."

"Oh, they definitely helped, but still… you think you know how you are with someone, and then a child changes the whole dynamic."

"Hmm."

"Truth be told I just thought I wouldn't be a very good dad. I was just a boy… not ready for any of that at all, but your mom said she wanted to have the kid and keep it… and of course I wanted to be in my child's life."

"Well, thank god it all worked out the way that it did… otherwise I wouldn't be here."

"I always knew I loved your mom, and for us, kids sort of sealed the deal."

"How did you manage it? Being a dad, while simultaneously getting your degree… founding the bridge company…"

"Your grandparents helped a lot, like I said… and when I got my degree I was thinking that I was going to only be supporting like 2 or 3 children… and then when Natalie got pregnant with twins, I knew I needed to bring in more cash if I was going to support my family. So I shot higher with my ambitions, and landed in a pretty good spot. The journey was tough, though."

"So you're saying I'm basically the reason you're so successful," I remark cheekily.

He rolls his eyes, "Technically, half the reason, but yes, I suppose I should thank you. But really, Beatrice, it was at that point when I realized I wanted a big family too."

"So it doesn't get overwhelming? Fathering all of us?"

"Oh, believe me, it does. But then I remember that your mother has probably had to deal with 5 times the work that I have, so I check myself. Also, you kids are worth it. Ten children. I still can't believe I have that many."

"You think you and mom are done now?"

My dad nods, "I think so. Before Anna was born, Natalie was wondering over and over again why she had so many boys, but only one girl. We finally got our second baby girl, and now your mom is getting to her 40s… But Lord knows once you and Caleb go to college she'll want to have more. She already complains about missing Leo and Ezra 24/7."

"Can you imagine our family reunions in like, ten years? They're going to be insane."

My dad laughs, "Well, I already can't wait. And I can't wait to see the amazing woman you'll become, Beatrice. You truly are… very special. As a busy working father with 10 kids, I realize I forget to tell you guys how fortunate I am to be your dad."

"Well, I'm really fortunate to be your daughter."

He kisses my forehead, "And… seeing how much you love Tobias, how you've been there for him today, with his mother's passing and his father getting remarried. He's quite lucky to have you."

My eyes search for my boyfriend, and I smile when I see that he's now dancing with his new stepmother. "I'm really lucky to have him, too."

"I hate making definitive statements like this, but I already know that boy will be a part of this family for a long time."

"I hope so."

Dancing lasted for a few more minutes before we were sent back to our seats. Now, the first course has been served, and toasts have commenced.

Allison gave a lovely toast for her mother. She wished her every happiness and thanked her for raising her into the young woman that she is today. Tiffany's sister, Aubrey, went next. She said that it's been a treasure to watch Tiffany grow alongside her and she's so happy that she found as good a man as Marcus.

Now it's Tobias's turn. I watch as he nervously stands up, and wipes his hands on his pants. I squeeze his hand tightly, hopefully giving him some final courage.

"Hi, everyone. I'm Tobias, Marcus's son, and I've also had the honor of being his best man tonight. 5 years ago, my mother passed away from leukemia. It-it felt like my world went crashing down around me. I loved her a lot, and so did my dad.

"I'd like to tell you some perfect story about how my dad and I just got through it together quickly, and things were back to normal in no time and it strengthened our father son bond. The thing is, though, that life isn't perfect. Things were really hard, for years and years afterward. And they're still hard sometimes. It sucks, but it's inevitable.

"For the longest time I was always so focused on what I lost when my mom passed. She was someone who taught me to love abundantly and ferociously, she was caring and passionate and everyone she loved was so so lucky because she was… incredibly loyal and steadfast.

"I thought that because she was gone… I couldn't be any of those things without her, and my life was doomed. Then I met someone else… who I love a lot… and she helped me see a lot of things. The first thing she helped me see was that I didn't lose any of those things, they stayed with me in my heart. The second thing she helped me realize was that there's no definite end to love, it moves continuously with you, and it's stronger than anything. And lastly, she helped me realize that I wasn't crediting my father for any of the things he taught me.

"My father has always been a calming and rational presence in my life. He's shown me he loves me, time and time again, through simple actions. He's patient, honest, and hardworking. And we both loved my mother, a lot. He lost her too, and we were both consumed by grief that we forgot one thing that was important- that we had each other.

"When he started seeing Tiffany, I began to see changes in him. He was being brought back to life, smiling more, walking with a purpose, and holding his head higher. It takes a great love to bring back that spark in a man, and I would know. Tiffany, throughout all of this you have been a wonderful addition to the family. You are thoughtful, and kind, and perfect for my dad. And Dad, we've been through a lot together, and I'm so glad to still have you by my side. I can't wait to walk into this next chapter of life and see how we all grow together as a family. Here's to new beginnings."

It's hard to believe 2020 is coming to a close, and so is this story. I started it on a whim this summer, and now here I am, so attached to the characters and plot line :) Writing it is one of the things that gives me the most joy in my day, and I hope you enjoy my updates as well.

Please stay safe with coronavirus, wear a mask, wash your hands and socially distance. Scary things are happening now- especially with the mutated virus. Lastly, have a great new year, and thank you so much for all the follows, favorites, and reviews. I know 2020 wasn't the year that any of us were expecting, but hopefully things turn around with 2021.

-Kiki