Today is the day. Tobias's gallery opening. It's really happening. When Tris woke up this morning, Tobias was not in bed. She found him in the kitchen of the apartment, pacing back and forth, running his hands through his hair repeatedly. She had never seen him this nervous for anything. Even when they went on live television for God's sake.

She did her best at calming him down. She told him that he's worked so hard, that he's done all he can, that the artwork will speak for itself and people will love the gallery. Her words seemed somewhat effective, but she could tell he was still nervous.

She brought out Zeke and Shauna, and they all took him out to brunch to relax him. They spoke nothing of the gallery, and talked about anything else. Tobias eased into the atmosphere they were trying to cultivate for him, and seemed far more loose when they headed back to the apartment.

Now it's evening, and Tris examines herself in Tobias's bathroom mirror. No, she still hasn't gone home yet. It has been 3 weeks since she stormed out on her mother, and Tris has still been waiting expectantly for an apology. She misses Maria terribly, but Tobias did invite her to the opening tonight. Usually she's relieved of all her duties by nighttime, so Tris hopes that she can come.

Adjusting one of her diamond earrings, Tris feels satisfied with her appearance. Dating Tobias Eaton has made her feel things about herself that she never thought possible. She's more confident, she feels attractive, and like she's worth something. He's given her this new boldness, which she finds that she likes.

The dress she's chosen is a deep red, sleeveless, knee length number. The lace neckline is far more plunging than she's used to, but oddly, she doesn't mind. She lets her hair remain natural today, tumbling in waves over her shoulders. When she's done with the finishing touches, she exits the bathroom, meeting Tobias in the hallway.

His whole face lights up when he sees her. "Don't you look gorgeous."

They both lean in for a kiss, lasting far longer than necessary. Tobias pushes her up against the wall, lifting her slightly as his lips move down to accost her neck.

Tris sighs quietly, tipping her head back and allowing herself to enjoy his gentle kisses and caresses. It's when Tobias's hand migrates in between her thighs that she starts to panic slightly. They've never gone that far before, and it's not like she's opposed to the idea, but right now in the middle of his hallway? It's all too rushed for her.

Luckily, they're interrupted by a low whistle. Tobias pulls back gently, and Tris drops to the floor as they both turn to see Zeke clad in a suit, coming from his room. "You do know you have a bedroom? Like, right down the hall?" Zeke points out.

Tris tries to hide her blush as she pulls her dress down, avoiding both Tobias and Zeke's eyes.

"Shut up, Zeke. You ready?"

"Yeah, just give Shauna a second, then we should be good to head out."

The ride over to the gallery is filled with silence. Tobias is driving his Bentley, and this is one of the last times they'll get to spend in the car, as he's going to sell it soon to help out with costs for the gallery. He really doesn't need it. Simon still drives him around from time to time, though Simon does work for his father so Tris presumes that those services will soon stop as well.

Tris has no problem letting Tobias borrow Alex's car services whenever he needs, and now that the weather is getting warmer, walking won't be a problem either. Tobias used to walk places in the freezing cold, after all. Maybe once the gallery has taken off, Tobias can purchase a tamer car that is more him.

They arrive at the building, and Tris looks up at Tobias, shooting him an encouraging smile. "I'm so proud of you," she tells him, placing his hand in hers.

He shoots her as confident of a smile that he can back. Tris knows he's probably all nerves right now, she just hopes her presence next to him can soothe him, even just a little bit.

"Let's head in," Tobias announces to their group.

The opening is a smash. Even more people showed up than they were anticipating, and she's watched Tobias's charm come to life as he greets people. He also looks very proud of the two artists he's representing; Kayla and Jared, who are here with their loved ones.

As promised, Evelyn, Richard, Lydia, Felicity, and Juliette are in attendance. Tris watches carefully as Tobias lets his mother embrace him, and she swears her heart grows when she hears her tell her son that she's proud of him. Richard claps Tobias on the shoulder, and Tobias leans down to greet the three little girls, who giggle and hug his legs.

As complicated as it all is, Tris knows how important it is to Tobias that he's getting some sort of a family. Evelyn also gives Tris a very firm hug, and soon the little girls flock to her as well, tugging at her dress and asking her loads of questions. Tris doesn't mind. She's never thought of herself as a kid person, but now she can't deny that she has a soft spot for them.

Tobias leads his mother around the place, and Tris decides to let them have their space. She's looking for Zeke and Shauna who are about somewhere when her arm is tugged violently.

"There you are!"

"Christina!" She shrieks. The pair embrace like a couple of schoolgirls who are just seeing each other for the first time since they went on holiday break.

"Look at you!" Christina roams her eyes up and down Tris's outfit.

"Look at you!" Tris exclaims back. Christina looks absolutely stunning in a black mini dress with a plunging v neck.

"Hello, hello, I'm here as well." Will steps up behind his girlfriend. "I know I'm not as an exciting of an appearance that Christina is, but hey, Tris."

"Hey, Will! It's been so long!" Tris gives him a side hug. "So, what's the new news? How have you guys been?"

"Well," Christina begins, clearly having words that she's ready to get off her chest. "Since Tobias left, guess who has been promoted to his position?"

"Congratulations!" Tris tells her. After all, it must be an amazing job with great experience when you aren't Marcus Eaton's son.

"I was happy too. But Tris, his dad is such a douchebag. This position is going to look amazing on my resume, but I don't know how much of another day I can stand. I can see why Tobias left."

"That, and art is his passion," Tris points out.

"Yeah, yeah, that too. People are still gossiping about why exactly he left? It didn't help that Marcus came in a few weeks ago looking like he just suffered an awful beating." Christina raises an eyebrow at Tris, trying to gauge whether she knows anything about this.

Tris merely shrugs, trying to put on her best poker face.

Thankfully Christina doesn't push anymore, she just goes to raving about the art, and pointing out the pieces she likes most to Will.

"Hey." Tobias approaches them, and Tris sees his mother back with Richard now. Right now he looks the happiest that Tris has ever seen him. He wears a wide grin, his eyes relaxed, fitting into this atmosphere perfectly.

He greets Christina and Will, thanking them for being here, before wrapping his arms tightly around Tris.

"Look at what a success you are," Tris whispers to him.

"Success is nothing without someone to share it with," he murmurs back.

"You really did it."

"Did you ever doubt me?"

"Not for a second."

Tobias captures her lips with his, kissing her passionately, as if his mother isn't standing ten feet away from them. She returns his kiss with fervor, their tongues mingling together.

Soon though, they are broken apart by someone clearing their throat. Tris turns, very shocked to see Natalie Prior, with Maria standing timidly behind her.

Natalie is glaring at the couple in askance, her arms folded over her chest.

"Mom," Tris says, not taking any moves to let go of Tobias.

"Beatrice," her mother responds stiffly, glancing around at the gallery warily.

"What are you doing here?"

"I felt that it was high time that we spoke to one another again."

Tris shoots a sideways glance at Tobias, and then looks back to her mother. "Why don't we find somewhere more private?"

The pair end up in the corner of the gallery, both shifting uncomfortably, waiting for the other to speak first. Tris decides to be the one to break the silence. "How did you find me?"

"Well, Maria let it slip that she would be attending tonight. I presumed you would be here."

"I see." Tris rocks back and forth on her heels. This is what she wanted, for her mother to seek her out, to make an effort, but now that the woman is standing in front of her, she is nervous. Tris has no idea what to expect, or if their flight will just blow more out of proportion, and she will be forced to look for other ways to pay for her college education.

"Look, Beatrice, I cannot pretend to approve of any of this," her mother lifts her arm, gesturing to their surroundings. "I mean, Tobias leaving Eaton Enterprises to start his own art gallery has been all the talk. And you, standing proudly next to him doesn't create such a great image for myself, either."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Tris responds drily.

"None of your sarcasm right now. What I'm getting to say is that I had lots of time to think about our conversation. I can admit that I was wrong in some aspects."

Tris is frozen, stunned. Her mother has never, in her life, admitted to being wrong about anything. Her brain simply cannot form a response to those words, as she can hardly believe that they came from Natalie Prior's mouth.

"You are my daughter. As misguided as many of my actions have been, all I have ever wanted is the best for you."

Tris has difficulty believing that's all her mother has ever wanted, but she allows her to continue.

"I got caught up in this world, and wanted everything to be so picture perfect. I grew up pinching pennies, not having any secure future whatsoever. I had to stride to get this for myself."

"And you know how proud I am of you for doing that."

"I do, yes. But I guess, now that I've had children of my own, I'm so, so terrified of losing the work that I've put in. It seems idiotic to you, I know, but I never want you to have to worry about if you'll be able to make it in this world. Especially… especially without your mother's support."

"Oh, mom," Tris breathes.

"I may not agree with all of your choices… but it doesn't mean that I won't support you."

This doesn't instantly fix all of Natalie's wrongdoings. It's not even close. But it's something. A step in the right direction. And Tris will take it.

"Thank you… for trying to understand. I know this is all so different from what you wanted for me, but I promise, I am serious about what I really want to do. I will make you proud," Tris promises her mother emphatically.

"So, I suppose it's time for you to accept USC's offer?"

"Yeah?"

Natalie places a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "We'll do it together when we get home."

Hesitantly, the pair embraces one another. Tris isn't sure what got her mother to change like this, but she likes to think that it has something to do with her words to her, her warning that if she only pays attention to the material things in life, she'll miss out on real connections with her children. Tris has never had any desire to be estranged from her mother, and now that they've seemingly started to resolve their issues, she hopes she never will be. Not after losing her father.

"So?" Tris asks when she pulls back. "Will you stay to look at some art?"

"Alex is driving both Maria and I back home. So I suppose I'll stay."

Tris chuckles to herself, shaking her head. "Please be nice to Tobias, mom. Tonight is his big night. He's worked very hard for all of this, you know."

"Why would that young man give up a stable career and strong position in the world for this?" Natalie doesn't understand it at all.

"Mom, what happened to being supportive? Tobias loves art, this is his dream come true. And you think that you could understand. You love fashion! It's what you do. Fashion is a form of art, too."

"Alright, yes. Fine. I am here to support you. I will congratulate Tobias," Tris's mother relents as they make their way back to the main room.

"Thank you, mom. Oh, and um, Tobias's mother is present this evening, as well. The uh, the foolish one, as you so kindly put it."

Natalie turns to Tris in alarm. "Oh, Evelyn is here?"

"Oh, come on mom, don't be scared! You two have so much in common now. Both of you are estranged from your multimillionaire mogul husbands who used to be in business together. I'm sure you'll have lots to speak about," Tris quips cheerfully, placing her hand on her mother's back to usher her further into the room.

"Is everything okay?" They both turn around to meet Tobias. He is glancing between Natalie and Tris, as if he is trying to gauge their feelings.

"Never better," Tris answers, flashing him a genuine smile.

Tobias looks relieved. "Well, I hope you'll enjoy, Mrs. Prior. It's good to have you."

"Thank you, Tobias." After a moment Natalie reaches out to shake his hand. Tobias looks surprised, but he accepts. "And um, we would love to have you over for dinner on Tuesday night. If you're available, of course."

"Um, of course. I'll be there!" Tobias responds brightly. The only thing that keeps Tris from laughing at the completely gobsmacked expression on his face is the knowledge that her mother's original snobbish attitude is the reason Tobias is so shocked by her complete 180 degree personality change.

"Lovely. Well, I'm going to join Maria in looking at the art-"

"Natalie Prior! I thought that was you."

Evelyn is there, embracing Tris's mother. There's kisses on cheeks and how are you? I swear you haven't aged a day since I saw you last, but Tris can tell her mother is still apprehensive to talk to Evelyn. What were things like back then? When Natalie and Evelyn were friends, and their husbands were in business together? It was before Tris was even born.

Tobias's mother insists that Natalie must meet Richard and his daughters, and whisks her away quickly. If Natalie was puzzled at Tobias's decision to quit Eaton Enterprises to try to make a name for himself in the art community, she is going to be completely bewildered at the prospect of Evelyn's second husband being an ordinary middle class father from a plain suburb of Illinois.

"So?" Tobias asks Tris, now that they're alone. "That seems to have gone well."

"Consider me moved out by tonight."

"I'll try not to break down into tears in the middle of my gallery opening."

Even though she knows Tobias is joking, Tris still feels her heart swell at his words. It's far too soon for her to think about living with Tobias. She's young, she hasn't even graduated high school yet, and they have not been together for very long in the grand scheme of things. But maybe one day. If all works out between them.

She wraps her arms around Tobias's middle, looking up at him. She recounts the conversation with her mom to him, and expresses her complete and utter surprise that Natalie Prior actually admitted she was in the wrong for something.

"Hey, she wants to try. This is really good."

"I'm really happy for that," Tris affirms. "Thank you for being here for me in the midst of all of this."

"Don't thank me. It's what I'm here for."

Tris smiles, resting her cheek on her boyfriend's chest. Despite everything good that has happened tonight, there's still a specific sadness churning in her stomach. In the back of her mind, she knows why, the reason has been biting at her ever since they arrived, a constant pestering reminder, but she won't let herself focus on it. Though she'll miss Tobias, she's glad she will get to be alone in her own room tonight. She needs some time away from other people to recharge and really think about everything that has been happening.

"Our mothers are having their little reunion over there," She observes, pointing out the scene to Tobias. Natalie and Evelyn are looking at the art, a little, but they're mostly talking, laughing animatedly. They're catching up. Tris hopes it continues to go well. If she and Tobias's mothers were friends, it would be good for their relationship. It would bridge a sort of gap between them.

"Do you think they were good friends back in the day?" Tobias asks her.

Well, my mom did say your mom was an idiot. "Not sure. My mother hasn't had a lot of friends since she and my father separated, so I think having some, or reconnecting with an old one would be good for her."

Tobias nods in understanding. "My mother never really got to be herself in this world back then with Marcus hovering over her shoulder constantly. I'm guessing the Evelyn your mom knew isn't at all like the one she's talking to now. I'm sure she's feeling very fulfilled now that she can be back in the city without fear, and can reconnect with old friends and make new ones."

"I'm sure she is. How is it going with her, by the way?"

"Well, she's here. We talk on the phone pretty frequently. Nothing too serious, yet, mostly just life updates and planning when we can meet in person. But I really am happy that I gave her another chance. Hopefully both of our second chances with our parents will prove to be good in the long run."

"I really fucking hope so," Tris mutters, praying that Natalie Prior only begins to get better from here.

A man approaches Tobias with questions about one of the paintings, breaking the couple apart. Tris watches him go, pride surging through her veins. She glances around the room once more. Her mother and Evelyn are still chatting, Maria is engrossed in all the artwork- snapping photos on her iPhone, and sometime amidst all this chaos Uriah and Marlene have made an appearance. They stand now with Zeke, Shauna, Christina, and Will near the refreshments, laughing as they sip cocktails. Tris knows that she should join them, greet Uriah and Marlene, and talk to her friends, but her senses are urging her to take a break.

She wants to escape the noise for a while, to think by herself. She exits the room through the fire escape, rather preferring the crisp night air to the loud and stuffy room for a moment. Leaning back against the brick wall, Tris closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath, attempting to shut her brain off for a moment.

Her body jolts a few minutes later when she hears the door to the fire escape open again. Before she can turn and see who it is, she hears Uriah's voice say, "All alone out here?"

Tris's lips curve into a smile as she turns to look at her friend. He's decked out in all black- a black dress shirt, black dress pants, black dress shoes, and a black blazer. "Needed some fresh air," she answers.

"Yeah, I saw you slip out here. I could use some too, if I'm being honest."

"Well, I guess I can make room for one more."

Uriah stands next to her, leaning against the same brick wall. They both look at the night sky in silence. Tris wishes they could see more stars out here in the city, but the air is far too polluted for that. The Chicago city lights do have a certain charm to them, though.

"You know what's odd?" Uriah breaks the silence eventually.

"What is?" Tris looks over to him curiously. The overhead lamp lights cast a dark shadow over his face, and bring out his eyes, the ordinary dark brown color of them seeming much brighter now.

"It's nights like these, nights where I'm surrounded by friends and family and so much happiness, that I get the saddest about what I've lost."

His words strike Tris fully in the chest, because they are so close to what she, herself, has been thinking the entire evening.

When Tris doesn't respond, Uriah continues talking. "You've probably already heard from someone, Shauna or Tobias probably, but… My father is no longer with us. He was killed. After his death, I used to hate myself whenever I got happy. It wasn't even really a guilt thing. I know my dad would want me to be happy. It was more of a sadness, because everytime that I got happy, I would become even more devastatingly sad when I remembered that he's not around anymore to share the feeling with me."

"I know the sentiment," Tris murmurs in response. "I mean, my situation is incomparable to yours. My father is very much alive, he just actively chooses not to partake in my life anymore."

"That doesn't make the pain any less," Uriah insists. "They are just two different types of wounds."

"Well, I find myself getting really sad when I get happy, too. I guess on a night like tonight, when I finally get over a rough patch with my mom, and Tobias is living out his dreams, I just think about my dad. How if he were here, it would make what's already great be ten times better. How I could tell him about my day, and introduce him to my boyfriend, and vent to him when my mom acts crazy. It feels like if he were around, it wouldn't take so much for me to be happy, or to feel like things are going well."

Uriah does not respond for a few moments, turning his attention back to the city, his eyes following the distant moving cars. "I'm really glad you're my friend, Tris."

Tris feels affection spread through her chest. "Me too, Uri."

"Your dad is an ass, by the way. Being in your life? It's fucking awesome. Who the hell is he not to want that?"

Tris wipes the tear that was starting to fall off her cheek with the back of her hand. "I'm hoping the day comes when… he doesn't matter to me anymore." Or the day comes when he finally returns.

"You'll do kickass things on your own. At fucking USC."

"Thank you, Uriah. And you. Despite going through a huge loss in your life, you're standing strong, and kind, and resilient, and that is something to be really proud of."

Uriah grins down at her, slinging an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close to him in a friendly embrace. "Why don't we rejoin our friends inside now?"

That night, Tris re-enters her home for the first time since her fight with her mother. After she and Uriah returned from the fire escape, she stayed at the opening for 2 more hours. She caught up with her friends, she chatted with her mom and Evelyn for a bit (both of them seemed very happy after catching up), and talked to Tobias when she could. This event was technically work for him, so they had to keep it professional, but Tris had an amazing time watching him engage with visitors. She watched people put holds on pieces and bid over them, and saw how overjoyed it made Tobias. He deserves all of it and more.

She helped him close down. By the end of the night everyone was gone except for their respective families and circle of friends. Christina opened the bottle of champagne she had brought as Tobias's gift for his opening, and everyone made their final toasts to him. After saying goodbyes, Tris and Tobias engaged in a very lengthy one in the corner of the gallery away from prying eyes, since Tris would not be sleeping at his apartment tonight.

She promised to swing by tomorrow to grab the rest of her things when they parted ways, and then she headed back home in the town car with her mother and Maria.

Caleb is sitting on the couch when she walks in, and he looks very surprised to see her. "Beatrice! You're back!"

"I am," Tris opens her arms and takes a sarcastic bow.

To her shock, Caleb is off the couch in an instant, embracing her in a long hug. "God, I've missed you."

"Hello? I think I'm in the wrong house. I'm looking for Caleb Prior, my brother who rarely shows affection, even with his girlfriend."

"Hey," Caleb pulls back, giving his sister a stern look. The look strikes Tris as something so similar to her father that she nearly loses it.

Natalie breezes through the foyer. "Hello, children. I'm quite tired tonight so I'm going to retire early. Good night. And… welcome home, Beatrice."

Before Tris can form a response, her mother is up the stairs.

"Beatrice? What's wrong? Let me get you a glass of water."

Even the way Caleb comforts her is so much like her father. The first thing that Andrew would do whenever his daughter was sad was get her water. As Caleb leaves the room to fill a glass of water, Tris lets the tears fall freely. Today has been an emotional day for her, but if she had to guess, she would say that it's the champagne that is getting her teary eyed. Alcohol always does.

Caleb thrusts a glass of water in her hands. "Jesus, are you crying?"

"I… I just…" Tris doesn't know how to explain any of this to her brother. She's not even sure how her brother feels about their father leaving, seeing as they never speak about it.

To her surprise, Caleb doesn't push her, he just takes a seat next to her on the couch.

"Do you… do you ever think about dad?" Tris asks him hesitantly.

His eyes widen in surprise. This is an uncharted topic that the siblings have never explored in conversation before. "Um, well, of course I do. In what context, though?"

"Um… just like… I wonder what dad's doing right now. I wish I could tell dad about that thing that just happened. If dad were here right now I wouldn't be feeling so alone."

"Yeah," Caleb whispers. "I do. When I got into Columbia, the first person I wanted to call was dad. Mom told me not to, she said that she would let him know. I've not gotten a congratulations call since."

"Do you think mom really told him?"

"Why wouldn't she? Mom and dad met there, the place means a lot to them. And they obviously talk, I mean they worked on our Christmas presents together. After mom told me she told him, she said that he gave his congratulations. I mean, why couldn't he have given them directly to me?"

"It really fucking sucks," Tris agrees.

"Watch your language," Caleb reprimands, sounding only like he's half joking.

Tris thinks of all the future events her dad just probably won't be around for. Her graduation, moving into college, her wedding, her kids… if she ever has any. Her stomach begins knotting.

"You know… sometimes I think about writing him a letter. Just writing all of my feelings down on a piece of paper and mailing it to him. He can't escape it then. He can't hang up the phone, or interrupt me, or change the subject. He can't run away from it. He'll read it. He has to."

Tris is shocked by her brother's words, by his strong emotion. All this time… she thought she was the one who felt the pain of her father's absence the hardest. "You… Do you have his address?"

Caleb nods. "I… I saw it on some papers on mom's desk a month or two ago, and I snapped a quick photo of it. It should still be his current address, unless he's relocated again."

Tris swallows, "Where is he now?"

"Mexico. Seems like he's making his way back up here if you ask me."

Tris detects a hint of hope in Caleb's voice. She wants to tell him not to get his hopes up too much, but who is she to talk?

"I'll write one if you will, Caleb," she tells him.

"Really?"

"Yeah… I want to. There are things I have to say, and I know you feel the same. Even if he's moved from that address now… at least we'll get all our feelings out on paper."

"Let's do it, Beatrice."

Caleb leaves and then returns with some paper and two pens. Tris tries to ignore her rapid heartbeat as she places her pen down on the creamy white page. She swallows all of her nerves, and then, she begins to write.

I'm really sorry for my prolonged absence and making you all wait so long for this chapter. Life is really a lot. It takes me months to crack one chapter out sometimes. I can only hope I still have readers following this story who want to know what happens next. Please review your thoughts, I would love to know if people still care about this story, and what they think :)

-Kiki