"Why, Alicia?" I spit, glaring at the woman who usually reminds me so much of my own mother with her shiny brown hair and warm green eyes. Today, however, her eyes have a distinct sadness to them. I guess I thought when I confronted the person who turned our lives upside down I would be met with malice or defiance not embarrassment and what's starting to look like near despondency.

"I'm so sorry, Tris," she says once again but it only angers me more. "I swear I didn't mean to start the rumors."

"You shouldn't apologize to me," I say after a lengthy, tense silence. "You should apologize to him." I point at Tobias. "He's going through hell right now with the suspicious stares and hushed whispers. He doesn't deserve this."

"I'm sorry, Four," she says, unable to bring herself to meet his gaze.

"Luna, I need you to take Alicia's next appointment," Tobias says, not one ounce of emotion in his voice. "Apologize for her absence and let the client know that she'll be tied up for the foreseeable future. Offer her a free service if she's not receptive to the idea."

"Yes, Four," the skittish technician chokes before slithering out of the room, thankfully closing the door behind her, giving us the privacy we need.

"Tell us what happened, Alicia," he says, his Four mask walling off his emotions.

"I-I saw a b-bruise on Tris' a-arm as she was g-giving me instructions on what to do with all the r-roses you had delivered the n-night she was h-here with Christina, Ana, and Avery," she says, stumbling along until she finally calms some. "I didn't think anything about it until she turned to go into the dressing room and that's when I recognized the bruise as a handprint. I thought about asking you about it, Tris, but I figured it wasn't any of my business. It's not like I believed he intentionally hurt you. I never did." Huh?

"Go on," Tobias says when she stalls.

"I went to a friend's place after work that night. We shared a bottle of wine while we watched a movie about an abused woman who faked her death to get away from her cruel husband. The alcohol loosened my lips – I know I shouldn't drink but that blackberry wine is just divine. Anyway, the fact that I saw bruises on your arm just slipped out. I'll admit, at the time, I thought I was just having an innocent conversation with a trusted, old friend but looking back she seemed entirely too … interested."

"What do you mean?" Tobias asks at the same time I ask, "What's your friend's name?"

"Jessica grilled me about the bruises and what I thought of you two, professionally and personally for hours. I was too drunk to realize it wasn't just an innocent conversation until the next morning. I started to hear whispers about Four and abuse and as the day progressed, they got worse and worse. I wanted to say something. I should have said something, but I was too embarrassed. I didn't mean for this to happen, and I never mentioned what I saw to anyone but Jess. I don't know how it got around Dauntless so fast. And I don't know why she would want it to."

"There's one thing I've come to know in the five years I've lived here, our faction thrives on gossip," Tobias mutters as he runs a hand through his hair.

"Who is this Jessica person, and why would she do this to us?" I ask looking toward Tobias, although I'm just thinking out loud.

"I think I may know," he says before Alicia can speak, surprising me.

"What? How? Who?" I'm thoroughly confused at the moment.

"It wouldn't happen to be Jessica Samuels would it?" he asks, addressing Alicia. Jessica Samuels? Jessica Samuels? Why does that name sound so familiar? It suddenly dawns on me.

"Shauna, Lynn, and Hector's mother?" I ask, my voice several octaves higher, betraying my anxiety.

"Yes," she says, pink spreading across her cheeks.

"Why would she do this?" I muse aloud.

"We'll figure that out another time," Tobias says then turns his full attention back to Alicia. He stares at her, shaking his head. "I have to say I'm disappointed in how you handled this situation, Alicia. Why not come to me or Tris when the rumors started and tell us what you knew? And just now when Tris confronted Luna you were going to let her take the blame. I'm beginning to think you aren't the type of person we want in Dauntless." Her eyes go wide. I'm not sure which is worse the threat of expulsion from the faction or Four being disappointed. For me it would be the latter. He's not often disillusioned.

"Oh, God! Please don't make me factionless, Four. I would never survive out there," she cries. "I know I made a terrible mistake but I'll do anything. Please give me a second chance."

"You know, I don't relish the thought of making you factionless," he says.

"Then please don't," she says just above a whisper. He stares her down like he's trying to make his decision.

"What can you tell us about Jessica Samuels?" I ask. She looks at me with equal measures of uncertainty and gratitude, although that emotion may be too early. If he makes up his mind and makes her factionless, he more than likely won't change it back. I know my husband. "Why would she question you about us? Did she give you an indication of what she wanted?"

"Jess and I both joined Dauntless the same year. We didn't hit it off right away. She's always been very competitive and ambitious, and she let absolutely nothing get in the way of securing a top spot in initiation." She must have achieved her goal. She's a faction ambassador, a prestigious, much sought-after job, now assigned to Erudite. "After initiation was over, we were basically thrown together. Our husbands, well they were our boyfriends at the time, were lifelong friends. They passed away within weeks of each other years ago." I can't help but wonder what happened. Shauna and Lynn never speak of their father. "After a while, I counted her as one of my best friends. We drifted apart while our children were growing but when they got older, we rekindled our friendship. I'll be honest, she doesn't always agree with how you run Dauntless and is very vocal about it. She thinks the faction is getting soft."

"Soft," Tobias mutters, disgustedly shaking his head. "Recklessness will not be tolerated in my faction."

"I totally agree with you, Four," she says. "Things got very scary around here under Max's tutelage or should I say Erudite's. But her way of thinking is more in line with past generations. She firmly believes in faction before blood. Maybe she would think differently if she had a child defect like I did. She's lucky all three of her kids chose to remain here in Dauntless. I would give anything to see my Suzanne on a regular basis. I'm just thankful that the council voted to allow mingling between the factions."

"Has she tried to organize members against us?" Tobias asks.

"Not that I know of, but if she were, she wouldn't include me."

"Why not?" I ask.

"We've had several disagreements on the subject in the past couple years," she says. "To avoid a full-fledged fight, we agreed not to talk about it anymore."

"I still don't understand," I mutter. I take a deep breath and glance at Tessa who has fallen asleep, her head bobbing up and down. I cross the room and pick her up. She wakes with a startled cry but she quickly goes back to sleep.

"I'll take her," Tobias quietly says as I saddle up next to him.

"I've got her for now," I whisper. "I don't want to wake her up again."

"Alicia, I want you to notify Tris or myself immediately if you can think of anything else. There won't be consequences for your actions this time but I won't stand for that kind of behavior again."

"Oh, thank you, Four," she softly says.

"Everyone makes mistakes," he says, his eyes on me. He flashes me a sorrowful smile then looks at Alicia again. "One more thing before we leave, I would rather you not mention our conversation to Jessica."

"Okay, Four," she says. "And you don't have to worry about me gossiping again. I've learned my lesson."

"Good," I say. "I wish the rest of the compound could learn the same lesson."

We leave the salon after I pay our tab, Alicia still profusely apologizing. I hand Tessa over to Tobias, and we make our way up to the Pire in silence. It's not strained but it isn't comfortable either. My mind replays our conversation with Alicia, and I can't help but wonder what Jessica Samuels' game is or if she has one. She obviously doesn't like Tobias and me but maybe that's just the extent of it. But a niggling feeling in the pit of my stomach tells me there's more to this story. When we get home, Tobias carries Tessa up to her crib to continue her nap and we let Bridget go for the day.

"I thought you'd come back downstairs with either Tyler or Teagan with you."

"They're both still sound asleep," he says as he sits down beside me on the couch. He drapes his arm over my shoulders and pulls me close. "We played hard this afternoon."

"Should we confront Jessica?"

"No," he says. Irritation rises within me, so I count to 10. I don't want to fight with him.

"You still can't think that ignoring this problem will make it go away, can you?"

"Don't you see, love, nothing is going to make it go away," he says. I can easily hear the pain in his voice. "How do I prove to a faction full of doubters that I don't abuse you? There is no way. I can call a mandatory, emergency meeting in the auditorium and get up on stage in front of the entire faction and tell them that the rumors are false but they've already made up their minds so why bother. We just need to let this run its own course."

"You mean we're just supposed to sit back and let this Godforsaken gossip ruin our marriage?" I try to get up but he tightens his grip on me, keeping me in place.

"There's nothing wrong with our marriage," he tightly says. I turn and look at him, and the asshole has his Four mask on.

"Why can't I walk away for a few hours to escape when something upsets me?" I softly ask. "When things get tough for you, the man I love disappears altogether like you did this past week burying yourself in work or like you are right now burying your emotions behind that damn Four mask." Frustrated tears well up in my eyes. "I may have fallen in love with him but I sure as hell don't like him all the time." I struggle against him trying to get to my feet. "Let. Me. Go." He finally releases me, and I spring to my feet and whirl around to face him. I do my best to keep my voice steady and low but strong emotion seeps through anyway. "That's a double standard, Tobias Eaton. If you don't change, one of these days you are going to ruin what we have. We can't continue going on like this. It hurts my heart too much. I know it hurts you too. And this isn't me threatening you, this is me telling you that if you keep pushing me and our kids away, you're going to push us right out the door.

"Now, I need you to pull the car up to the Pire so I can take the kids to my parents. I no longer want your company. What I do want is for you to take some time and think about what I said. I've missed you so damn much this week. I'll meet you at the train at about 9:45 for dare … if you still want to come."

"Can we talk about this?" He's still masking his emotions, which causes the tears to finally overflow and streak down my face.

"Not right now," I say. "We're both upset, and I don't want anything said that we can't take back." He gets up and heads toward the door. "I love you," I choke out.

"I love you, too," he mutters without looking back. He pauses for a moment in our entryway then shakes his hanging head and walks out the door. I wither into a pile of raw emotion in front of the wall of windows. I don't know how long I sit here sobbing into my hands, trying to block the pain of the past week, wondering if I really made the right decision to give us some space when I finally gain control of my emotions. I don't move though. I'm exhausted. I wrap my arms around my legs and rest my head on my knees and try to clear my mind. When a small hand touches my head, I jump. Shit! I don't want him seeing me this way. I rub my eyes before lifting my head to look at my son hoping that it doesn't look like I've been crying. When he throws his arms around my neck and squeezes me until I practically can't breathe I know my eyes have betrayed me.

"What's wrong, Mommy?" he asks. He's caught me crying too many times lately and that kills me.

"It's been a rough week, buddy," I say. He frowns at my explanation.

"Where's Daddy?" he asks as he looks around the silent apartment.

"He went to get the car then he has some things to take care of," I say. "Are you excited to see Grandma and Grandpa tonight? We'll leave as soon as Tessa and Teags are up from their naps."

"Isn't Daddy going with us?" he asks, ignoring my questions. "He promised." Well crap.

"No, he's not. I asked him to do some things for me. I'm sorry. That's my fault. I didn't know he promised."

"Well he did," he mutters. "I hate him." Whoa!

"Tyler Aaron Eaton, you don't talk that way."

"But he made…"

"No buts," I cut him off. "You don't ever talk that way about your father. You have to respect him." He hangs his head, and even though I can't see his face, I know he's pouting. "If he heard you saying you hated him it would hurt his feelings, and you don't want to do that. I know without a doubt that you love him very much."

"I miss him," he says, tears running down his face.

"I'm so sorry." I hold him as he cries. I take my phone out of my pocket and send a quick message to Tobias. I need you home. Now. I shouldn't have sent him away. That wasn't fair. He obviously isn't far because within minutes he comes barreling through the door.

"Tris!" He sounds panicked. Tyler let's go of me and runs straight into his arms, surprising him.

"You came back! You came back! I knew you wouldn't break your promise."

"Of course, I came back. I didn't forget my promise, buddy," he says, his voice rough. I avoid eye contact for the moment. I don't want to see pain on his face, pain put there by me.

"I'm going to check on the girls," I quietly say as I get up off the floor. When I enter the nursery, Teagan is just waking up.

"Hello, my sweet girl," I say as I lift her into my arms. "Did you have a nice nap?" She rubs her eyes as she nods. I check her training diaper, which is dry then put her on the potty. "You need to stop growing."

"I big," she says with a big grin. God, how I wish you weren't.

"You're getting big just like Tessa and Tyler." When she finishes, I tell her that her daddy is downstairs, and she sprints off in his direction. "Walk!"

"Mama! I gotta potty," Tessa calls out. Two for two after naps. That's great. After she finishes in the bathroom, I take her into what will be her and Teags' room.

"Do you think you're getting big enough to sleep in here?" I ask. "You would have your own bathroom so you wouldn't have to tell Mommy or Daddy you have to go potty." Her eyes widen and her face lights up. "I take that as a yes!"

"Yes!"

"Mommy will get to working on that as soon as possible," I say. "Ready to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house."

"Yep! Whewe Daddy?"

"He's downstairs with your brother and sister," I say. "Let's go." She struggles out of my arms when we enter the dining room and I nearly drop her. She sprints into the living room and climbs up on Tobias' lap. He looks up and gives me a small smile. "Grandma and Grandpa are holding off on supper until you guys get there so we'd better go." It amazes me but they all like an occasional Abnegation meal, and they love my mom's cooking. Tobias lifts each of the girls into his arms and Tyler walks next to him never taking his eyes off him like he's afraid he'll disappear.

After we get the kids in the car, which is parked on the curb outside the Pire just like I asked, I say, "I'm sorry, Tobias. I shouldn't have sent you away."

"I'm sorry, too, but let's talk about that later," he says.

We drive to my parent's in silence. Well Tobias and I are quiet. Tessa and Teagan won't stop arguing and Tyler is aggravating Tessa by, God forbid, touching her.

"All right! That's enough out of you three," Tobias firmly says, finally losing his patience. "I don't want to hear another sound from any of you until we get to your grandparents. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Daddy," Tyler quietly says as Tessa and Teags, wide eyed, both nod. I move my hand to cover his that's resting on his thigh. I momentarily hesitate, wondering if he would welcome my touch, and he reaches up and laces our fingers together then drags our joined hands to his lips and softly kisses each knuckle. I relax into my seat. We enjoy the silence for the remainder of the drive, which is just over five minutes but I'm sure it seems like five hours to the kids. After we park the car, the kids start getting antsy again. I hope they settle down before they go inside. We unbuckle our seatbelts and turn towards our monsters.

"Who remembers the rules?" I ask. Three hands go up. "Tyler."

"No running in the house."

"Very good," Tobias says. "Tessa."

"No fightin'."

"That's another one," I say. "Teags."

"Quiet."

"Yes, be quiet and respectful with Grandma and Grandpa and each other," I say. "You aren't in Dauntless anymore."

"There's one more," Tyler says. "No rough … rough house?"

"No roughhousing," Tobias says.

"Yeah, that's it!" he exclaims.

"All right, I think it's time to go inside," I say. While I'm getting the kids out of the car, Tobias gets the overnight bags out of the trunk. Before we reach the door, Mom steps outside in a lightweight flowing gray dress. Her brown hair is in a single braid down her back and her shining green eyes are smiling.

"Andrew, Beatrice, Four, and the kids are here," she calls over her shoulder to my father. She looks so happy. It warms my heart. Marriage counselling saved their marriage and for that I could not be more grateful. Dad still struggles but he leans on her instead of taking his aggression out on her. The last few times we've seen them, they have the glow of newlyweds. And that is something I don't want to think too closely about.

"Grandma!" the kids squeal as they reach my mom. She kneels down and wraps her arms around all three then kisses their heads.

"Oh, I've missed you so much," she says. "Let me look at you. I think you have all grown. Teagan Grace is that you? You're not a baby anymore."

"Not bebe," she says, shaking her head.

"I gots big girl pants," Tessa says, wanting her fair share of attention.

"That's right," I say. "Just today Tessa has graduated to big girl panties. No more diapers."

"We're very proud of you, Tessa," my dad says as he steps up behind Mom. "What about you Tyler. You must be what 12, 13 by now?" Tyler giggles loudly.

"I'm 4, Grandpa," he finally says.

"I could have sworn you were older than that."

"No!"

"Come in," Mom says. "Supper is almost ready." The minute we walk into the house, familiar scents assault my senses but they seem out of place.

"Do I smell…" I start to say but Mom interrupts.

"I made some cookies for dessert," she says and my mouth drops open.

"You might want to close your mouth, love," Tobias deeply chuckles.

"I can't figure her out," I quietly say to him. "Caleb and I never got cookies once growing up."

"Me neither," he says.

"I think our kids broke her."

"You know, I can hear you," Mom says and I flush pink.

"Sorry, Mom," I say as Tobias says, "We meant no disrespect, Natalie."

"I like being a Grandma." She shrugs. "I get to spoil them. Beatrice, can I get your help in the kitchen for a moment?"

"Sure, Mom," I say, following her.

"Is everything okay at home?" she asks. I furrow my brows at her. "You and Four look … uncomfortable with each other." I take a deep breath and slowly blow it out. I didn't know our troubles would be evident. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"No offense, Mom, but not really," I softly say.

"I won't pry but know I'm here for you, my sweet girl," she says as she cradles my face between her loving hands. "Always." I think I said almost the same thing to her when she and Dad were having problems

"I know you are, and that means so much to me," I say. "Thank you. What do you need help with?" This time it's her turn for her cheeks to flush.

"I just used that as an excuse to talk to you," she says. "But if you would like to help set the table I would appreciate it."

"Of course."

"Would you and Four like to stay for supper?" she asks as I finish with the menial task.

"Actually, I think we're going to grab a quick bite at the Pier," I say. We really need to talk and soon.

"Okay," she says.

"I can't believe you made cookies," I say.

"You just don't remember me making cookies," she says. "Take one for you and Four. They're your Grandmother Wright's recipe. I made a double batch this morning. I only kept a dozen. The rest were handed out in the soup kitchen." I take a couple of what looks like oatmeal raisin cookies then wrap my arms around my mother.

"I love you," I say.

"I love you, too, Beatrice."

"Thank you for being so good to my kids," I say.

"I love them with all my heart," she says.

"They love you, too," I say. "They've been talking about this visit for days."

"I'm glad they're excited," she says. "Your father and I have been excited, too."

"We need to go," Tobias says as he appears in the doorway.

"Okay," I say. "Let me say goodbye and then we can go."

"All right," he says. "I'll wait in the car. It was nice seeing you, Natalie. Thanks for watching the kids for us. I'll see you tomorrow night."

"It's always nice seeing you, son," she says as she walks up to him. She grabs him into a hug that startles him. I see her whisper something in his ear then she gives him a kiss on the cheek. "Have fun tonight with your friends."

"Thanks, Natalie."

"Dare I ask what that was about?"

"He looked like he needed a hug," she says as she pulls dinner rolls out of the oven. "So, I gave him one."

"He has the best mother-in-law," I say. She embraces me tightly but says no more. "I better go. I love you."

"I love you, too, Beatrice. Remember, if you need to talk about anything I'm here." I leave Mom behind to say goodbye to Dad and find him surrounded by the kids who are sitting on the floor eagerly listening to him tell them a story. I kiss each one of their heads but they don't pay any attention to me and wave goodbye to Dad. I meet Tobias in the car and am met by awkward silence.

"Can I ask you something?" he asks after a while.

"You know you can," I say.

"What made you change your mind?" he hesitantly asks.

"Tyler. He was very upset when I told him you wouldn't be accompanying us to Abnegation. Had I known you promised, I never…" My words trails off when we pull into a dilapidated-looking parking structure near the factionless sector. He pulls into a parking place, turns off the engine, unbuckles his seatbelt then turns to me.

"Is it safe here?" I ask but he doesn't answer me.

Instead he says, "Now we're going to talk."