Zeke, Shauna, Tobias, and I finish our leisurely picnic, talking and laughing about everything. Only two subjects are off limits tonight: Shauna's dad and the troublesome pictures we received of the kids. It's nice to just sit back and forget all my troubles, even if it's only for a few hours. Zeke keeps us entertained, telling stories from their initiation. Some I've heard before but some are brand new. He has me laughing so hard I actually think I'm going to pee myself, which would be embarrassing beyond belief.
"I need to powder my nose," I quietly tell Tobias.
"So do I," Shauna says. "I'll come with you, Tris."
"Okay," I say.
"You just want to check on the kids," Zeke says, laughing.
"You're not wrong but I still have to use the bathroom," I say.
"Leave her alone," Tobias practically growls.
"I didn't mean anything by it," he says, holding his hands out in surrender. "I'm just surprised it's taken this long for her to call Gavin."
"It isn't the first time," I say. "I've texted him a few times."
"So have I," Tobias says, which makes me feel even better. He's just as worried about them as I am. "Hurry back, love." He leans in and gives me a quick kiss. "The night's still young." A rush of anticipation quickly spreads throughout my body like a raging forest fire. I'm having a good time with our friends but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to spend some uninterrupted time with my husband, alone and naked … very, very naked. I grin at the thought and flush.
"We'll be right back," I say. Shauna and I get to our feet. Just as I'm about to round the corner of the building, I look over my shoulder. Tobias' eyes are glued to me. I send him a flirty little wave then blow him a kiss. He taps two fingers over his heart and gives me the sexiest smile I think I've ever seen. It nearly takes my breath away.
"You better watch where you're going," Shauna chuckles. I right myself just as I nearly collide with the side of the building. "You two are worse than newlyweds! Hell, Zeke and I have only been married almost six months, and we don't act as lovey-dovey as you two do."
"Are we really that bad?" I ask, a blush once again coloring my cheeks.
"I've never seen anything like it. Sometimes it's uncomfortable to be around you two because you look like you're going to tear each other's clothes off in front of all of us," she says. "Do you two ever fight?"
"Of course, we do," I scoff. "I don't like to fight with him though."
"But making up is nice, right?" she says with a devilish grin. "It's some of the best sex Zeke and I have."
"Yeah, making up is great," I mumble.
"Still don't like to talk about sex, huh?" she chuckles.
"Not really," I say as we walk into the compound. "Although, it's not as difficult as it once was."
"That surprises me, too, especially since we all know that you and Four are basically exhibitionists."
"We are not!" I indignantly say. I hold the public restroom door open, look both ways making sure no one is listening to us, and let Shauna enter then follow behind her. "Knowing that Zeke saw us … you know. It mortified us, both of us. He's not the only one scarred for life because of that incident. Four and I were appalled that we let ourselves get carried away and that something so … intimate … could have gotten into the wrong hands."
"But you like sex in unusual places," she says. "I mean, hello, you had sex on the Ferris wheel." God, I hope there's no one else in here.
"Could you say that a little louder, Shauna," I say as I flush the toilet. "I'm not sure the entire faction heard you."
"I could go into Four's office and use the PA system," she says as she comes out of her stall, a huge smile on her face.
"Zeke is rubbing off on you," I mutter.
"I do like when he rubs me," she says, wagging her brows. I can't help but chuckle as I roll my eyes. "But we're not talking about my sex life we're talking about yours. The Ferris wheel."
"Nobody would know about the Ferris wheel if your husband hadn't badgered it out of us," I say. "Nobody saw us. There's a big difference in thinking that you might get caught and getting caught. Believe me. Getting caught is not fun."
"So why do it?" she asks.
"Excitement," I say with a shrug as we exit the Pire into the sweltering evening heat. I pull my phone out and send another text to Gavin and he responds immediately that everyone is good. "The bedroom is nice, don't get me wrong, but things can get," I try to think of the right word, "repetitive. It's good, wonderful even, but adding a little variety, a little spice just makes it better."
"Like I said, you two kill me," she says. "Who knew that two former Abnegation dependents would become the epitome of everything Dauntless."
"I wouldn't go that far," I say as we enter the hidden little courtyard.
'There you two are," Zeke says as he jumps to his feet. "We thought maybe you bailed on us."
"Never," Shauna says, immediately greeting him with a kiss.
"Hey there, beautiful," Tobias says. I walk past our friends and into my husband's outstretched arms.
"We really weren't gone that long, were we?" I ask.
"I thought maybe you two went to your apartment to pee," Zeke says over his shoulder. "Say, why do women use the bathroom in groups? Is that something you're taught or is it born in you?" Shauna and I look at each other and then back to her husband.
"What?" she asks.
"Is it against the woman's code to go to the bathroom by yourself?" he asks, like he's really pondering the answer.
"You're strange," I say then look back up at Tobias. "I hope you weren't worried about me."
"You know me," he says. My arms are resting on his shoulders as his are gathered at the small of my back. "I always worry about you."
"I think I like that about you," I say.
"Like?'
"All right," I giggle. "It's something I love about you."
"I love you, too," he says. He lowers his mouth to mine and kisses me softly but breaks away leaving me pouting. "So, are we ready, Zeke?"
"Yeah, I think it's dark enough," he says, looking around us.
"Dark?" Shauna and I say at the same time. Tobias lets me go and pulls his phone out while Zeke moves behind the tree. Shauna sidles up beside me, and we watch our husbands. Tobias sends a message to someone, and Zeke moves a cart I hadn't seen earlier into view.
"What is all this?" I ask as the pink twinkle lights suddenly fade to black.
"We're going to watch a movie," Zeke says. "Or two."
"Movie?" Shauna asks. "Out here? How?"
"You'll see, Sunshine." I watch Tobias and Zeke blow out the floating candles, making the space even darker when an odd squeak captures all our attention.
"Right on time," Tobias murmurs as a young girl I recognize as one of last year's newest members, Jenna, comes around the corner pushing a cart similar to the one Zeke rolled into place a few minutes ago but on a larger scale. On it is a popcorn machine, candy carousel, and a fountain pop dispenser. "You can park it right here." He points at the edge of the large blanket. "I'll make the popcorn if you get the movie started for us."
"Okay, Four," she says. She parks the cart and secures its wheels then heads to what I now see is a projector of some sort. While she readies the machine, I move to Tobias' side.
"Where are we going to watch this movie?" I ask. Tobias looks down at me and smiles. My breath catches in my throat. He looks so damn happy right now. It's nice to see him this way, relaxed and content. He hasn't acted this way since we received those damn pictures.
"You'll see, love," he says. "It's the biggest surprise of all. I hope you like it." I look around the relatively small space and don't see any kind of screen and can't figure out where we will watch this movie. "Why don't you sit down and relax? Do you want lemonade or root beer?"
"They both sound good but I think root beer would be better," I say. "And I want some of those cinnamon jellies and chocolate caramel dots. They'll go perfectly with the popcorn." My stomach rumbles and you wouldn't think that we just finished a hearty supper.
"That's quite a combination, love," he says. "Are you sure your stomach can handle it?"
"I'm feeling great right now, and it's what Button and Bean want," I say, shrugging my shoulders then both my hands move to cover my growing bump. "And what Button and Bean want, Button and Bean get."
"They are going to be so spoiled," he says, leaning in to kiss my neck after he dumps the hot, buttered popcorn into the base of the machine. Someone clears their throat, and I take a step away from my husband and turn toward the noise.
"Sorry to interrupt," Jenna says. "The movies are ready to go. All you have to do is push the red start button on the back. If you have any questions or if there are any issues, just let me know. I'll be back after my shift at the theater to clean up."
"Thank you, Jenna," Tobias says. "There will be a bonus in next week's payment for you. We appreciate your help getting this set up."
"It was no problem, Four," she says. "I was happy to help. Enjoy your evening everyone."
"Thanks," Zeke says and Shauna and I echo the sentiment.
"So, what are we watching?" Shauna asks.
"A couple thrillers," Tobias says. "The Sixth Sense and Shutter Island. Zeke and I haven't seen them, so we hoped you two hadn't either. They were highly recommended by the staff at the theater."
"I haven't seen them," I say.
"Me either," Shauna says. "So how will this work?"
"You'll see," Zeke says with a shit-eating grin on his face. Resigning myself to the fact they aren't going to tell us, I lower myself to the blanket and get comfortable.
"Is there anything else I can get for you?" Tobias asks., kneeling before me.
"Just you," I softly say.
"You'll just have to wait for that until later tonight," he murmurs then he gives me a quick kiss.
"You're bad, baby," I say.
He leans closer and says, "I'll show you just how bad I can be later tonight." I cup his face and stare into his midnight eyes.
"I'm looking forward to it," I say then incline toward him, wanting another kiss but chuckling interrupts us. We slowly turn and look up at our audience.
"What?" we say in unison.
"You two need to get a room," Zeke guffaws.
"We will once the movies are over," Tobias brazenly says.
"Four!" I say, immediately going red. Our friends just laugh.
"Sorry, love," he says, dropping a kiss to the top of my head before getting to his feet. Shauna sits down beside me, and I can tell that Zeke and Tobias are exchanging words but they're quiet enough that we can't hear them.
"Sorry for my husband," Shauna says, rolling her eyes. "He loves to antagonize you and Four. He thinks you're easy targets but I loved that quick comeback from Four. He usually just growls."
"I know," I say, my eyes still on our guys. "His comeback surprised me though. He usually doesn't want to say anything to keep Zeke going."
"It's just us," she says. "You are among friends."
"I know," I sigh, looking at the ground. "It's still embarrassing."
"You're married. You're pregnant. We know you have sex."
"Shauna," I scoff. "Enough."
"All right," she says lying back on her elbows. "Are we going to watch a movie or what?"
"Give us a minute," Zeke says. "We're almost ready." Tobias puts a tray full of popcorn, candy, and drinks on the blanket then sits down beside me. Zeke goes to the projector and hits the button Jenna pointed out earlier then quickly joins us on the blanket. The machine whirls to life, sound booms around us, and images flicker on the side of the building. My hand rushes to my mouth to catch my gasp as my eyes widen.
"This is awesome!" Shauna cries, throwing her arms around her husband's neck.
"It is," I say, nodding in agreement. "I had no idea you could do something like this. It's like being in the theater but better. Thank you, Zeke. Thank you, Four. This is wonderful."
"Zeke got the idea from a movie he watched last week," Tobias says. "We thought you would like it. I'm glad we were right."
"The movie's starting," Shauna excitedly says and we quiet down and turn our attention to the side of the building. I snuggle into Tobias' side and munch on popcorn and candy as I get engrossed in the first film and then the next.
A warm breeze sweeps a stray hair across my face and my stomach lurches. I slowly breathe through my mouth a few times not wanting to miss the end of the movie but the nausea doesn't subside.
"Are you okay, love?" Tobias asks. "You look a little green."
"Do you smell that?" I ask, trying to keep my mind on the movie but quickly failing. That strange, familiar scent I smelled at the park is on the breeze. It's faint but it's definitely there.
"I don't smell anything," he says. I look toward Zeke and Shauna, and they both shake their heads, confused, worried expressions on their faces. I lean forward and stick my head between my knees and inhale deeply through my mouth and out through my nose. I wish I could pinpoint that odd smell. I know it's familiar but I just can't place where I've smelled it before.
"You okay, Tris?" Zeke asks.
"She's nauseated," Tobias says, rubbing my back. "Love, do you want to go home? We can always catch the end of this movie another time."
"No," I moan, breathing through the queasiness. I take a few more breaths and the nausea starts to dissipate. I relax into Tobias' side.
"Can I get you anything?" he asks.
"I need a drink," I say.
"Root beer or lemonade?" Zeke asks.
"I think lemonade is best," I say. "I wish we had some ginger ale."
"I'll go home and get you some," Tobias says, moving to get to his feet.
"No, baby," I say, grabbing hold of his arm and looking up.
"You're pale," he softly says. "I think we should call it a night."
"I really don't want to," I say, "but I think you're right." My stomach roils and my mouth floods with moisture.
"Let's pack it up," Shauna says.
"No," I vehemently say. "Stay and finish the movie. Just don't tell us how it ends. We'll see you later."
"Don't worry about cleaning up," Tobias says, as he helps me to my feet. "Jenna will do that later. Let's go home, love."
"Bye, guys," I say.
"Feel better, Tris," Zeke says.
"I will," I say. "Thank you."
"Come on, love." I slip my hand into Tobias' and follow him around the corner into darkness.
"I'm so sorry, Tobias," I say.
"You have nothing to apologize for," he says. "What happened? I thought you were getting along pretty well."
"Remember a few weeks ago when I took the kids to the park to see my mom? I told you I smelled an odd scent and it made me sick?"
"I do remember you saying something about that," he says. "You smelled it again tonight?"
"Yeah," I say. "It's a familiar scent but I just can't place it, but whatever it is makes me nauseated as hell. I was feeling great up until then."
"I'm sorry, love," he says. "If I could take the morning sickness from you, I would."
"Aah." Tears well up in my eyes at the sweet sentiment. "You are such a good man. I love you so much."
"I love you, too," he says as he opens the door to the Pire for me. As I pass him, I give him a quick kiss. "Let's get you home so you can have some ginger ale. You're starting to get your color back but you're still too white for me."
"I'm always white."
"All right, smartass," he says. "Glad you're feeling better."
"Me, too. We have plans that can't be cancelled."
"Tris." He sounds pained.
"Believe me, if I weren't feeling well sex would be the last thing on my mind."
"I find that hard to believe," he says, "my little sex maniac."
"Okay, you got me," I giggle. "Sex would still be on my mind even if I wasn't feeling well but you'd be able to talk me out of it a hell of a lot easier."
"Good to know," he says, shaking his head as he unlocks our apartment door. The lights are low and the house is quiet when we walk in. I'm surprised Gavin isn't on the couch. "You get some ginger ale, and I'll look for Gavin."
"Okay," I say. "I'll follow you in a minute."
"Please take your time," he says. "You weren't feeling well that long ago. I don't want you pushing it."
"Okay," I say. "Now go." I watch as he disappears up the stairs then pour myself a glass of chilled ginger ale. I lean against the counter and rest my eyes as I sip the soothing liquid. I didn't even realize I was tired until right this minute.
"Tris," Gavin quietly says and my eyes fly open.
"Hi."
"Four needs you upstairs," he says and my heart sputters in my chest.
"What's wrong?" I say, immediately heading toward the stairs, the nausea forgotten.
"Tessa had a bad dream and it woke Teags up," he says. "I tried to get them back to sleep but I haven't had any luck."
"Oh," I say, calming some. "That's okay. It doesn't happen often but when it does it can be a long night."
"I'm sorry," he says.
"There's nothing to be sorry for," I say as I walk into the nursery. Both girls are crying on Tobias' lap. "Can you check on Tyler before you leave, Gavin? Sometimes they wake him up, too. If by chance he is, put him in our bed please."
"Okay, Tris," he says then leaves the nursery like it's the last place he wants to be right now.
"Mama," Tessa says, holding her arms out to me.
"Come here, little one," I say picking her up. Her little body is trembling and there are tears streaming down her face. "Did you have a bad dream?" She nods. "I'm so sorry, my sweet girl. Do you want to rock with Mommy?"
"Otay," she says. I look toward Tobias and Teagan and note that she's calmed down, although she looks like she won't be sleeping any time soon.
"How about we rock in Mommy and Daddy's room so Teags can get back to sleep? Say goodnight to Daddy and Teags."
"'Night, Dadda. 'Night, Teags."
"Sweet dreams, Pebbles. I love you," Tobias says as Teagan raises her little hand and waves at her sister.
"Love you, Dadda," she says then sniffles.
"Be good for Daddy, Teags," I say. I lean over and kiss her forehead. "I love you."
"Lub 'ou, Mama," she murmurs. Hopefully she'll be back to sleep in no time. I walk into my bedroom and find Tyler climbing into bed with Gavin's help.
"Did the crying wake you up, buddy?" I ask.
"Yeah," he says around a wide yawn.
"Tessa and I are going to sit right here," I say as I sit in the rocking chair. "You go back to sleep."
"Okay, Mommy," he says as he snuggles deep into Tobias' pillow.
"Thank you, Gavin," I whisper.
"I'm sorry about all this," he says.
"It's fine," I say. "Please don't worry about it. We'll talk to you later. Thank you for watching them tonight."
"You're welcome," he says as he backs out of the room then heads down the stairs.
"You need to go to sleep, little one," I quietly say as I pat her back. She's sprawled out across me with her head lying on my shoulder fighting sleep harder than I've ever seen her. It's like she's afraid to close her eyes. I can't help but wonder what scared her so much. I lightly graze my fingertips up and down her back as I hum softly. She whines for a little bit but it's not loud enough to disturb Tyler, who passed out as soon as his head hit the pillow. I lean my head back and close my eyes as I continue trying to get Tessa to sleep when an unexpected flash catches my attention. I immediately open my eyes and sit a little straighter, looking around the dark room when a low rumble sounds. Shit!
"Mommy?" Tyler says, lifting his head off the pillow. How in the world did that wake him up?
"I'm right here, buddy," I say, getting up from the chair and going to him. I sit on the side of the bed and run my hand down his arm. "It's okay."
"I scared," he says, his voice quaking. "I want you."
"Oh, Tyler," I sigh. I should have known this was coming with that first flash. My kids loathe thunderstorms. "Give me just a minute, okay? Tessa, can you lie down and snuggle with Tyler?"
"No," she firmly says. "Want you." Well, at least I'm wanted. Thankfully, Teags is with Tobias or she'd probably want me too.
"I want my Mama," Teags cries as Tobias carries her into the room. I guess I spoke too soon.
"Oh, no," I say.
"Yeah. How about we keep the kids with us tonight?" Tobias asks. "I think it will be the only way any of us get some sleep. I'll stay with them while you get ready for bed then I'll take my turn."
"No!" Tyler screams at the top of his lungs, sitting straight up, and grabbing at me. "Don't leave me. Don't leave me." Tears stream down his distressed little face and his breaths are coming so hard he's practically hyperventilating.
"I'm not going anywhere, buddy," I say, hugging him tightly. "Can you go to Daddy, little one?" I try to transfer her from my arms to his but she won't budge. She starts crying, which in turn makes Teagan sob and Tyler go into hysterics. Witnessing my kids' meltdown chokes me up, and tears gather in my eyes but I refuse to let them fall. I look up at Tobias, and he just shrugs his shoulders. "Skootch over, buddy. Mommy's going to lie down with you." He moves closer to the middle of the bed, and I get in beside him, Tessa still in my arms. Tobias fluffs some pillows and put them behind me so I can recline against the headboard. I maneuver Tessa to the right and haul Tyler up against my body. He clings to me harder than he did the night the judge took him away from us.
"'Bout me?" Teags asks, her bottom lip quivering.
"There's room right here, Peanut," I say, motioning to the space right next to her sister. Tobias circles the bed and very gently lies our baby on my chest.
"I'll get your shoes for you," he says as he sits by my feet. He tosses my boots to the floor, removes my socks, then gives each foot a quick rub, sensing they hurt, which they do. Once I'm comfortable, he takes our quilt and pulls it up to our kids' ears then kisses each of their heads and tells them he loves them. He leans in and softly presses his lips to mine. "I'll admit this isn't how I pictured our night going."
"Me either," I whisper. I have one hand caressing Tyler's back and the other alternating between Tessa and Teagan's heads, trying to comfort my babies as flashes of lightening and rumbles of thunder continue outside our windows. Tyler's shaking like a leaf and the girls are softly whimpering.
"I'm going to get ready for bed. I won't be long," he says. "Later, if we can manage, you can change. Can I get you anything? Did you get enough ginger ale? How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine," I say. "I'm where I need to be, where I want to be." I kiss each of the kids' heads. "I'm feeling better."
"Babies make you sick?" Tessa asks, looking up at me.
"No. This time it was a stinky smell," I say, wrinkling my nose remembering the sickeningly sweet smell.
"'Mell?" Teags asks.
"Yeah."
"'Kay," she says, closing her eyes.
"All of you close your eyes," I say. "Mommy has you and I promise nothing will ever happen while I have you. I love you so much." I watch as Tyler, Tessa, and Teagan each slowly close their eyes and relax into me. They tense each time it thunders but at least the crying has stopped. I relax into the pillows and hum, hoping the kids fall asleep soon. They'll be bears tomorrow if they don't. Movement catches my attention out of the corner of my eye, and I watch as Tobias enters the room wearing nothing but a pair of sleep shorts. I close my eyes and try to control my suddenly erratic breathing. Now is definitely not the time to be aroused by my husband. I feel the bed dip and the quilt move.
"How long have they been asleep?" he asks.
"Not long," I say. I slowly open my eyes and look at him. "We could try to move them but I'm afraid they'd wake up and start crying all over again."
"How are you doing?" he asks. "Do you think we can move them so you can change into some pajamas?"
"I do have to use the bathroom," I say, "but I don't want to wake them."
"Let me try to get Tyler," he says. He slips one hand beneath our son then pries his fingers off my arm and rolls him his way. Tyler stirs momentarily but Tobias soothes him, and he falls right back to sleep. I slowly roll toward my left and first lie Teagan next to Tyler then put Tessa next to her sister. I gently sit up but don't move any further when Tessa's eyes flutter open.
"Mama," she whines.
"Mommy has to go potty," I whisper.
"No go," she says, crocodile tears in her eyes.
"Come with me, little one," I say. It's not like I haven't had one or two kids on my lap when I've went to the bathroom before. I am a mom after all. I slip out of bed then pull her into my arms. She lays her head on my shoulder and her breathing evens out before I get into the bathroom. Somehow, I manage to relieve myself without waking her back up. I carry her back into the bedroom then fish out a pair of sleep shorts and a cami out of the dresser.
"Do you need some help?" Tobias asks.
"Yeah," I say. He slides out of bed and I gently transfer Tessa into her father's arms. She whines a little but relaxes into his chest. I take advantage of the alone moment and excuse myself to go downstairs and get another glass of ginger ale and a couple ginger cookies.
"Are you all right, love?" he asks when I reenter the bedroom.
"I'm a little queasy," I say, rubbing my bump. "This will help." I pick my PJs up off the end of the bed and head toward the bathroom. "I'll be right back." I quickly change into the shorts and cami, take down and brush my hair out, then wash my face. The lights flicker then the loudest crack of thunder I've heard all night rattles the walls. I close my eyes and hold my breath, hoping the surge in the storm doesn't wake the kids but soon I hear Tyler demanding to know where I am just as the girls start crying. I hang my head. This is going to be one hell of a long night.
