"Are you ready to go, Tessa?" I call out as I descend the stairs. Today, I'm taking my little one to lunch just her and me, to the boutique to pick out big girl panties, and then to the salon for a haircut. She does need a trim but I have an ulterior motive for our final stop of the day. The rumors about me and Tobias are getting out of hand, and I thought I should go to the source, the unnamed salon technician, and confront her.

Tobias really doesn't want me to but I'm tired of all the dirty looks he's been getting this week. He may say that he can handle the negative attention but I know it's wearing on him. He's been spending more and more time out of the compound overseeing the construction at Dauntless 2.0 and getting home later and later. I know that project is very important to him but I get the feeling that he's hiding from the stares, whispers, and insinuations. I'd like to stand up in the middle of the Pit and announce at the top of my lungs that all the rumors are false but, at this point, I'm not sure our members would believe us. He's done such a good job of hiding his feelings in public for so many years that almost everyone believes the cold, callous mask he puts forth. Maybe it's time for Tobias Eaton to take center stage unless it's absolutely necessary for Four to make an appearance. I know it would be difficult for him but I really think it's for the best.

"I'm weady, Mama," Tessa says as she sits in the big club chair, which makes her look tinier than she already is. She's really cute in a black tank top with a big silver heart on the front, black shorts dotted with tiny silver hearts, and black sandals. The outfit came with silver heart-shaped ponytail holders but her dark curls are hanging loose in preparation for her salon visit.

"I go, too," Teagan excitedly says from the couch. I walk to my baby girl and pick her up.

"You're going to stay here with Tyler and Bridget," I say. She immediately starts pouting. "Before long, you'll be potty trained, too, and I'll be taking you to lunch and then shopping just the two of us but today is Tessa's day. Okay?"

"'Kay," she sadly says.

"Don't forget that when Tessa and I get home that I'm taking you to Grandma and Grandpa's for the evening." Her eyes light up at this news. "You be good for Bridget."

"I will, Mama," she says.

"Me, too," Tyler says. "But I'm always good." I raise my eyebrows at him. "What?" I grin at him, shake my head, and roll my eyes. I set Teagan on her feet after a kiss and hug and she scurries away. I pick Tyler up and hug him tightly.

"You are my good boy. Don't you forget that," I say. "I love you very much."

"Love you, too, Mommy," he says as he gives me a bug bear hug. Before I sit him back down on the couch, I pepper his face with kisses. "Stop!"

"Okay, I'll stop," I say. "Bridget, Tessa and I are leaving now. I'll message you when we're on our way home. Could you make sure Tyler and Teags are ready to go to my parents?"

"Of course, Tris," she says as she enters the living room from the kitchen. "Who's ready for macaroni and cheese?"

"Me!" Tyler, Tessa, and Teags all say at the same time.

"I thought you were coming with me for lunch, Tessa." She looks up at me, to the kitchen, then back up at me. "I'll tell you what, if you really want to eat here you can but you can have macaroni and cheese at the cafeteria or anything else you want. It's up to you." She looks back toward the kitchen where Bridget is helping Teags get up to the island.

"Go wit you, Mama," she says, excitedly bouncing up and down in her seat.

"Good! I've been looking forward to this all day," I say. "Let's say bye to Tyler and Teags then we'll go." I pick her up and carry her into the kitchen. She says goodbye to her brother and sister, insisting on giving them kisses then even says goodbye to Bridget.

"Can we see Dadda?" she asks as we go to pass his office door. I imagine he's out but I might as well try. The kids were asleep last night when he got home and still in bed this morning when he left. I knock on his door then walk in.

"I hope we're not interrupting," I say.

"Well, this is a nice surprise," Tobias says as he looks up from his computer. He looks haggard, like he hasn't slept in days.

"Dadda!" I set Tessa on her feet, and she sprints around the desk to her father.

"Hi, Pebbles," he says as he lifts her into his arms and hugs her tight. "I sure have missed you."

"Miss you, Dadda," she pouts. She wraps her arms around his neck and gives him a sloppy, wet kiss.

"What are two of my favorite girls doing today?" he asks. He frowns when he sees my face fall. He's so absorbed in his own troubles that he's forgotten about my date with Tessa. Hopefully, he hasn't forgotten about dare, otherwise I'll be sitting at home alone tonight twiddling my thumbs.

"We're going to lunch then picking out big girl panties," I remind him. "She hasn't had a single accident in over two weeks."

"That's my girl! Daddy's very proud of you. You're growing up so fast."

"Not a baby," she says very seriously as she shakes her head like she's discussing the state of the city's finances. "Mama, my tummy's hungwy."

"Well, we better get going then," I say. "Say bye to Daddy."

"Bye-bye, Dadda! Love you!"

"I love you, too," he says. He lets her off his lap and gets up.

"She's not the only one who's missing you," I quietly say when he reaches my side. "Bridget made macaroni and cheese for lunch. I'm sure Tyler and Teags would be happy to see you, too."

"I'll go and see them after this report is done," he says, looking guilty. "Has Mommy missed me?" I take a deep breath and slowly let it out.

"More than you know," I say as I caress his stubbled cheek. "Why don't you call it quits early today? Spend some time with the kids then you can come with me to take them to my parents." Confusion fills his face. "Dare."

"Is that tonight?" he asks and I nod. "Sure. I need the break."

"I'll text you when Tessa and I are on our way home so you can get the car and bring it to the Pire," I say. He gives me a soft kiss which quickly deepens but Tessa's giggling interrupts us.

"She's got your laugh," he says before letting me go.

"I can't deny that," I say. "Come on, little one." Tobias opens the door for us, and we step into the hallway. Tessa walks backwards waving at her father until we reach the path. "I need you to face forward and hold Mommy's hand. I don't want you to fall."

"Otay, Mama," she says. She takes my hand and swings our arms back and forth as she hums the theme song from the movie she watched this morning with her sister and brother. We leisurely walk to the cafeteria with her waving at every Dauntless member she sees, which slows our journey even more but I wouldn't change how excited she is for anything.

"So, what do you want for lunch? You can have anything in the cafeteria." She looks up at me while she thinks about her choices.

"Cake!" she squeals. I should have known. All three of my kids spend way too much time with Uncle Uriah.

"You can have cake for dessert," I say. "But you have to eat some lunch first. Do you want pizza, tacos, macaroni and cheese, or something else?"

"Um. I get hot gog and mac and cheese?" she asks.

"I think that can be arranged," I say. I get her a plate with a hot dog, macaroni and cheese, mixed vegetables, and applesauce and grab myself three slices of pepperoni pizza. For some reason I feel like a bottomless pit today. I also grab two slices of chocolate cake with thick buttercream frosting and chocolate shavings then we head to a small empty table in an out of the way corner. I put our plates down then help her kneel next to me on the bench.

"Tanks, Mama," she says then she practically starts shoveling the food in her mouth. She wasn't kidding about being hungry.

"You're welcome but please slow down," I say. "I don't want you to choke."

"Otay!" she says around a mouthful of mac and cheese.

"What are you two lovely ladies doing over here all by yourselves?" Zeke asks as he approaches us with a plateful of fried chicken, potato salad, and seasoned green beans.

"We're having a celebratory lunch just the two of us," I say.

Tessa motions Zeke to her then whispers in his ear, "I get big panties." He furrows his brows in confusion and I say, "We're buying big girl panties after lunch since she hasn't had an accident in over two weeks. No more diapers."

"Good job, Tessa!" he says then kisses her cheek. "Uncle Zeke's very proud of you." She beams at his praise. "You and Four still on for dare tonight?" He slides in the bench across from me.

"We'll be there if I can drag him out of his office," I say with a sigh. "I had to remind him about it earlier."

"How are you two doing?" he quietly asks. Agony squeezes my heart painfully as the subject everyone's tiptoed around this week is finally broached. I look around the cafeteria and no one will meet my gaze. It's been like this for days. When I walk into a room all chatter dies and everyone averts their eyes. Those who are brave enough to actually meet my eyes look at me with pity. On the other hand, Tobias is met with scowls, muttered insults, and open hostility. I want to scream from the rafters that everyone is wrong but he still doesn't want to address the issue publicly.

"I'd like to say we're fine but he's pulling away from me, Zeke," I say. "I can feel it."

"I can't get him to talk to me either," he says. "Anytime I try, he tells me he has somewhere to be."

"He won't talk to me either. I know he needs some time," I say with a sigh, "but I just wish I knew what was going on in his head."

"I can't imagine anyone would believe those crazy rumors." He obviously doesn't know what happened.

"I didn't think they would either but it seems I was wrong," I murmur. "You guys are the only ones who haven't turned on him. Everyone else believes he's capable of abusing me. It's so absurd."

"Can I ask why you haven't stood up and quashed the rumors?"

"Four thought we should ignore it and at first I agreed. I thought after a day or two everything would be back to normal but we were mistaken. Now I think it wouldn't do much good. People would just think I'm making excuses for his perceived bad behavior, and he just wants to ignore the entire situation. He's crawling inside himself. I just don't know what to do."

"I have to ask – if you don't want to tell me that's fine – but what happened? How the hell was a rumor like this started?"

"You really don't know?" I search his face as I ask the question but immediately know he's not deceiving me.

"I don't. I swear."

"A salon worker saw some bruises on my arm and instead of asking me about them started spreading rumors around the compound," I say. "I actually plan to finally confront her today."

"We're Dauntless. It's abnormal if we don't have bruises," he scoffs.

"The bruises she saw were in the shape of a handprint." I wait for him to respond as a flurry of emotions flutter across his face.

"Tris?"

"See, right there. You're his best friend and you're doubting him."

"I have to be honest, I don't know what to think," he mumbles. I look across the cafeteria at our crowded lunch table and meet Will's gaze. After a beat, he gives me a warm smile. Zeke must notice our exchange. "Will knows something, doesn't he?"

"He knows the truth," I say. I take a deep breath before I quietly continue. "He saw the bruises. He thought the worst to begin with but after we explained, he believed us."

"Tell me. Please." I give him the CliffsNotes version. "It's no wonder he's taking this so hard. He probably hates himself."

"It's bad enough it happened but what makes it worse is the rumors." It still amazes me how much this place thrives on gossip. "I know it's eating him up inside but he keeps telling me he can handle it."

"I'm sure tonight will do him some good," he says. "It's just friends and maybe a few initiates."

"I'm actually excited," I say. "We need a night out."

"Mama?" Tessa asks, interrupting us. "Cake now?"

"Of course, sweet girl," I say as I slide her sliver over in front of her. "Here you go."

"Tanks!" she says, grinning from ear-to-ear.

"Well, I better go before my chicken gets completely cold," Zeke says. "I'll see you later."

"Zeke." Before I can continue he interrupts.

"Don't worry. I won't say anything."

"Thanks," I say grateful for such a good friend. "Bye."

"Have fun shopping with your mama, Tessa!" She smiles around a bite of chocolate cake, which is already all over her face.

"Tanks, Uncle Zeke! Love you!"

"Love you, too, kiddo," he say, affectionately ruffling her hair. As I watch him walk away a sense that someone is closely watching me overwhelms me. I casually look around but see no one paying me any special attention but I can't shake the uneasy feeling. I quickly finish my pizza then eat my slice of cake. Before throwing our trash away, I clean Tessa up.

"Shall we go to the boutique?"

"Yeah!" she says as she jumps up and down excitedly.

"You've obviously had too much sugar," I say as I take her hand.

"Cawwy me," she says as she drags her feet.

"You have twice the energy I do."

"Peas, Mama!" she pleads.

"Oh, okay," I say as I lift her into my arms, "since you asked so nicely." She smiles widely as I carry her, her arms wrapped tightly around my neck. It doesn't take long to get to the boutique.

"Hi, Tris," Jennifer Chaucer says as we come through the door. "Hi, Tessa." She took over Christina's duties as supervisor when she became a fulltime party/wedding planner. Tyler and Bobby will never be best friends but he has flourished since his stepfather was made factionless and so has Jennifer. She's friendly and outgoing. She's like a totally different person.

"Hi," Tessa says as I say, "Hello."

"Is there anything I can help you with today?"

"Well, we are looking for big girl panties for Tessa," I say. "She's finally potty trained."

"That's great news!" she says. "No more diapers."

"Yeah! I 'cited!" Who knew that learning to use a toilet could excite someone so much? Maybe it's not that. Maybe it's the one-on-one time with Mommy and the shopping trip.

"Well, we have a selection of little girls' undergarments right this way." I put Tessa down and we follow Jennifer to the toddler's section. My girl oohs and aahs at every other thing she sees. I have to remind her twice that we aren't here to look for shoes. She may only be two but she's developed a deep love for shoes of all kinds: Faux steel-toe combat boots, glittery ballet slippers, fur-lined snow boots, leopard print flip flops. You name it, she wants it, and I have a hard time saying no but today we're on a mission.

"Look at these," I say as I kneel down beside her. Who knew there were so many different styles of panties for little girls? "Do you see any you like?"

"Pwetty," she says as she touches a pair of little pink boy shorts covered in white hearts.

"You like those?" She nods eagerly. "Let's get two then."

"Otay, Mama," she excitedly says. We spend the next hour picking out big girl panties in every color of the rainbow and then some. I also give in and let her pick out a new pair of shoes to match the new outfit I just couldn't pass up. I also get each of the kids a couple new pairs of PJs since they're quickly outgrowing the ones we have at home. I can just imagine Tobias' face when he gets home and sees all this. He thinks I spoil the kids, and he's probably right but I don't want them missing out on anything like I did when I was growing up. I don't ever want them to think something is missing in their lives then leave me when they turn 16. I'm not sure I could take it. Choosing Day has a whole new perspective since I became a parent.

"We better get going, Tessa," I say. "Your appointment in the salon is in just a few minutes. Thanks for all your help, Jennifer. You do a great job here."

"Thanks," she says, beaming from ear-to-ear but then her smile falters, and I know what's coming. "You helped me so much a few years ago that I have to ask, Tris. Is everything okay at home? I heard the rumors." Well, at least she has the balls to look me in the eyes and ask instead of talking about me behind my back.

"You're the first person to actually ask me about the rumors."

"I'm sorry," she sheepishly says. "I shouldn't have pried. It's none of my business."

"Don't be sorry, Jennifer. Not at all," I say. "Everyone else stops talking when I enter a room and won't even look at me. It's so frustrating. I appreciate your candor."

"There's not any truth to them is there?" I can tell she's being cautious with her questions and carefully gaging my answers for the truth. I guess if anyone could spot an abused woman it would be her.

"Not at all. My husband treats me very well." I gush.

"I'll be honest with you. Four scares the crap out of me. I don't see how you can be married to him." I start to object but she quickly continues, realizing she inadvertently offended me. "But I see how he looks at you, Tris. It's the same way my Robbie looked at me." She looks wistful thinking about her late first husband. "He loves you and would never hurt you. I know that. He may be scary as," she glances as Tessa, "heck but he's a very good man. He wouldn't have gone out of his way to help me get the job and apartment if he wasn't."

"Thank you for that. He is a good man, the best I know actually. I just wish everyone else in Dauntless could see that right now," I say. I glance at the clock near the register and frown. "I'm sorry to cut this conversation short but if we don't leave now we're going to be late to the salon."

"I'm sorry to have kept you," she says then we say our goodbyes.

"We have to hurry," I say to Tessa as I pick up the shopping bags. "You stay right beside me, okay?"

"Otay." We head out onto the busy path, and she immediately wraps her arms around my leg, stopping me in my tracks.

"You can't do that. Mommy can't walk." She pouts up at me so I kneel beside her but out of the way of the heavy out traffic. "Can you be a big girl and walk without holding onto Mommy?" Wetness is gathering behind her eyes when she finally nods. "Come here, sweet girl." She must be getting tired. I shift all the bags to one arm then manage to pick her up. She lays her head on my shoulder and sighs. I hope we make it through this afternoon without a full-fledged meltdown. I hurry to the salon, hoping we're not too late. Alicia is standing at reception when we walk in and she smiles brightly.

"Hello, Tris, Miss Tessa."

"I'm so sorry we're late," I say. "Our shopping trip lasted longer than I thought it would."

"Oh, you're not late," she says. "It's just now 1:30."

I set Tessa on her feet then lean in close to Alicia and ask, "Do you think I could modify the appointment a little?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"Mommy/daughter mani/pedis," I say as I look down at my darling girl. She's looking all around the unfamiliar space with awe on her face. This won't be her first trim but Christina came to the house the first time.

"Sure, we can do that," she says. "If you go into dressing room four, there are children-sized robes. Just change into them and I'll set you up with the technician then Tessa can get her hair cut." This captures her attention and she looks up at me with wide scared eyes. She must not like the sound of the word "cut."

"It's okay," I tell her. "You've had a trim before. It didn't hurt at all. Remember?" She wrinkles her little nose then she smiles and nods. That's my brave girl. "Let's get ready." I take her hand and lead her into the correct dressing room. It looks like all the others but it's slightly larger. I put our purchases in the provided cupboards and get out a robe for myself and one for Tessa. I help her out of her clothes, leaving her training diaper on then put the little black silk robe on her. It's absolutely the most adorable thing I've ever seen. I'll have to take a picture. After I get Tessa situated I strip down to my matching cotton bra and boy shorts and put on my robe.

"You like me!" Tessa squeals when she sees our matching robes.

"I know. You look so grown up, little one." She takes my hand and starts yanking on it. "Are you excited?"

She nods but impatiently says, "Mama, gotta go potty." I pick her up and take her into the bathroom just in the nick of time.

"I'm so proud of you," I say when she finishes. "You did a good job telling me you needed to potty but maybe you shouldn't wait so long the next time."

"Otay," she says. I pick her up and let her wash her hands after I wash mine. For as much trouble as Tobias and I have getting her to bathe, washing her hands is like a reward after she uses a toilet. She's such a silly girl!

"I have a special surprise for you," I say. "Are you ready?" She excitedly nods, and we head into the main part of the salon where Alicia is waiting for us.

"Violet and Mandy will be doing your mani/pedis, and I'll be doing Tessa's hair," she says. "Follow me." Within minutes, Tessa and I are sitting side-by-side at the mani/pedi station getting matching neon pink painted on our fingers and toes. Of course, I let her pick the color. I just wish Violet or Mandy would have hidden the bottle before she saw it. I think Amity members could see us coming.

"Are you having fun?" Tessa beams at me and carefully nods her head. She's being such a good girl. We explained that she needs to hold really still, and she hasn't moved an inch. Moisture wets my eyes and a stray tear slowly descends my cheek thinking, no knowing she's no longer a baby.

"You otay, Mama?" she asks, her look serious, concerned. She reminds me so much of Tobias right now.

"I was just thinking about when you were a baby," I say.

"I no baby," she says, frowning. "I's big giwl."

"Yes, you are," I say just as the technicians finish our toenails. Such a beautiful big girl.

"All done?" she asks, looking at her feet.

"Alicia will do your hair as soon as we're sure our nail polish is dry then we'll be done. What do you think?" I hold my hands out so she can examine them and she does the same.

"We cute," she says.

"Yes, we are!"

"Actually, I think you're both gorgeous," Tobias says from the doorway, surprising us.

"Dadda!" Tessa squeals. "Mama and I match. See!"

"You sure do," he says as he kneels between us. First, he kisses her forehead then he gives me a slow, tender kiss.

"This is a nice surprise," I say, caressing his stubble. "So, you finished early."

"Actually, I went home right after you left my office and spent the afternoon with Tyler and Teags," he says. "We had a great time, and now they're both down for a nap so I decided to check on two of my favorite girls."

"We've had a lot of fun today shopping and having our nails done," I say. "Haven't we, Tessa?"

"Mm-hm," she says as she nods.

"Are you ready for your haircut, Miss Tessa?" Alicia asks. "Oh! Hi, Four. I didn't know you were here."

"Hi, Alicia," he says. "Yeah, I thought I would watch Tessa's haircut."

"Isn't that thoughtful," she says. She doesn't sound condescending but there's a look about her. She must believe the rumors.

"Dadda, cawwy me," Tessa says, raising her arms to him. She's missed him so much this week just like the rest of us have. I'm glad he took some time to spend with Tyler and Teags this afternoon. I hope it did them all some good. He leans over and lifts her into his arms. She kisses his cheek and hugs him tightly to her. We follow behind Alicia into the same room that has the Lightning McQueen car where Tyler had his first haircut. Beside it now sits a pink convertible for girls to enjoy. At first Tessa doesn't want Tobias to put her down until she sees the little car then her eyes light up. He sits her behind the wheel and she grins from ear-to-ear. I take my phone out and snap a few pictures.

"You shouldn't believe everything you hear," I quietly say to Alicia as I pass. She looks taken a back. She obviously wasn't expecting me to say anything but I'm tired of this. "You have to sit really still while Alicia trims your hair, little one. Then we'll give you a little time to play in the car. Okay?"

"Otay!" Tobias and I stand next to each other, his arm draped over my shoulders and my arm around his waist. We watch and both take a few pictures as Tessa sits stone still as Alicia trims her hair and takes a couple inches off the length, which she really needs. It's been too many months since Christina cut her hair in our kitchen.

"She looks very grown up," Tobias says, his voice tight with sadness. "Where have our babies gone?"

"I know what you mean," I quietly say then I sigh.

"I understand why you want another one," he muses aloud. My head whips in his direction. Is he saying what I think he's saying? Is he willing to give me the baby I so desperately want? Sensing what's obviously going through my mind he says, "Love, I'm still not sure but I'm understanding more and more why you want one. We'll talk more about it later, I promise."

"Thank you," I say.

"It's not a yes," he says.

"Mm-hm." I glance up at him out of the corner of my eyes and smile brightly.

"I really need to work on telling you no," he mutters.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to push," I say, recognizing that he's close to his limit and this week has been bad enough for him already. I don't need to be causing him stress, too. "I love you, baby."

"I love you, too," he says right up against my ear.

"Look at her," I say bringing our attention back to our girl. "She's growing up so fast."

"I know. It seems just like yesterday she learned to smile now look at that grin." She's sitting in the pink car with a joyous smile spread ear to ear. "I don't think I've ever seen her look so happy."

"You should have seen her in the boutique," I chuckle. "I couldn't keep her away from the shoes."

"She has more shoes than you do," he mutters. "I hope you didn't buy her more."

"Just one," I say.

"Tris!"

"I know but they go really cute with the outfit I got her." I expect more commentary but he just rolls his eyes, shakes his head, and kisses the top of my head.

"And I think I can't tell you no," he chuckles. "Our kids are going to be spoiled."

"Not spoiled, baby, just well loved," I say.

"Mama, Dadda, look!" Tessa squeal, gaining our full attention once again. Alicia is done with her trim and our girl is happy as a clam.

"You look beautiful, Pebbles," Tobias says and he's not stretching the truth one millimeter.

"And so grown up," I add. She's turning her head from side-to-side, admiring herself in the mirror on the wall in front of her.

"Alicia, your next client is here." Tobias and I turn toward the door and look at the messenger. My blood begins to boil seeing the familiar-looking tall blonde technician who I have only seen one other time.

Noticing my reaction Tobias asks, "What's wrong?"

"That's her," I mutter. "She's the one who started the rumors."

"Thanks, Luna," Alicia says. "I'm almost finished here. Tell Barb I'll be right with her."

"No," I say. They look at me like I've suddenly grown a second head. "Four and I need to talk to Luna. Thank you for everything today, Alicia. We'll pay on our way out." Confusion fills her face as she looks from me to Tobias and then to Luna before she returns her puzzled gaze to me.

"What's going on?" she asks.

"We have some business to discuss," I say. "Isn't that right, Luna?" She can't bring herself to meet my eyes, and I can feel fear radiating off her in waves.

"Tris." I ignore Tobias' cautious plead.

"Luna here is the one who started a very destructive rumor going around Dauntless, and she needs to explain herself," I mutter, trying to rein in my anger. Her eyes fly to mine, and now she only looks utterly confused.

"It wasn't me," she says. "I swear. I didn't say anything."

"If it wasn't you then who was it?" I spit. Tobias crosses his arms over his chest and intimidatingly stares down at the terrified salon technician. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Alicia guiltily trying to slink out of the room. I think I misread her look earlier. "Not so fast Alicia. What do you know about all this?"

"I'm so sorry, Tris," she says, red faced. "It was me."