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A Blessing in Disguise

Chapter 3- It's you

Tobias P.O.V.

We wake up as the sun rises. Zeke told me last night that the girl, Tris, told them we have until noon to claim our beds or they would be given to the next person that needs them. After he explained to me that this isn't just your typical shelter, I knew this might be our last chance off the streets. We can't keep living like this. Sure we are getting by now, but this isn't how I want the rest of my life to be, or the rest of our lives to be, for that matter. A long time ago, we made a pact: no matter what, we stick together. So when Uriah and Zeke came back yesterday with the news, and the joy on their faces... who am I to say no? We need to try. We can't keep living like this forever.

We were in luck last night, we found three benches that were lined up next to each other to sleep on. Usually we have to sleep on the grass or hard floors, our only hope is that we don't get peed on by a passing dog or attacked in our sleep by others that want our stuff. I look forward to sleeping tonight in a comfortable bed, in an actual room, with clean clothes and possibly a warm shower. I take a minute to run a hand over my face, I wonder what the hell I look like. I haven't shaved for nearly a week.

I start to repack my stuff, making sure not to leave anything behind. I pull out the last few things I have left of home: my pictures. I hate to say it, but not all of them have survived over the years. Rough weather and lack of storage would do that to the delicate paper and ink... some are faded and others are torn and worn out. I take a quick look at the last picture I took before I left home. It was of Beatrice and me. I was standing behind her with my arms wrapped loosely around her neck and shoulders as we both made funny faces for the camera. God, I miss her so much. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about her... that I don't wish I could have just one more touch, one more word, one more glance, just one more...

I have no doubt in my mind that if this lead Zeke found for us does pan out and by some miracle we do get our lives together, I will try and find her. I don't know what my intentions would be at the time, but I do know this... I need and want her in my life for good.

"We need to get a move on, if we are going to make it on time," Zeke calls out from his bench. I look down at my watch, noticing that its nearing eight o'clock already. He's right, from seeing the address I know this place is clearly across town. Since we have no means to travel, no cash for bus or a cab, we are forced to walk. It will probably take us all morning to get there, and that's without taking too many breaks. Luckily for us, we are already used to walking all day, not to mention we each only carry only a backpack a piece. During the last part of our long journey, Uriah keeps us entertained with his many jokes, while Zeke has a hopeful look on his face, thinking about the possibilities of the future. How ironic that the center is actually named "Hope."

We make it with just minutes to spare. The building is a plain light gray three story building with the word "HOPE" in a darker tone of gray. I can't help but get the feeling that matches Zeke's, thinking of all the possibilities this place could hold for us as it finally sinks in that we too now have hope. Zeke is the first to knock. Before long, a young man around our age answers the door. He holds a half eaten apple in his right hand, and smiles widely at our appearance.

"Hey, can I help you?" he asks.

"Yeah. We were told to come here. We spoke to a girl named Tris yesterday..." Zeke starts to explain but is cut off.

"Yeah, right. Newbies," he says, taking another bite of his apple. "Come on, I'll take you to her office. She has been expecting you." Although he seems polite, I also notice little attitude from him.

"So.. uh... you work here?" Uriah asks as the door closes behind us. I take in my new surroundings. There are people all different ages here, sitting in separate rooms. It smells of Pine-Sol and other cleaning products, like lemon. The smell reminds me of Beatrice's home; her mother Natalie only used cleaning products that had lemon scents in them. Suddenly I began to feel something that I haven't felt in so long... home.

"Nah. I live here, they took me in two weeks ago. I'm Peter, Peter Hayes," he says, introducing himself.

"I'm Uriah." Uriah smiles at Peter and waves using the same hand that is holding the strap of his bag in place over his shoulder.

"I'm Zeke." Zeke nods.

"My name is Four," I say, keeping my face expressionless. I won't let my guard down, something tells me not to trust this guy.

"Like the number?" Peter chuckles.

"Exactly like the number," I say coldly.

"Alright, this way," he says, guiding us down a hallway. I'm the last to follow as I continue to survey my surroundings. Everyone seems well-fed, clean, clothed, and happy. I finally turn facing forward when I hear Peter knock on a door.

"Yeah," a voice says on the other side of the door. Peter opens the door slowly, only letting his head peek in.

"Are you busy?" he asks nicely.

"What do you want, Peter?" the voice answers, obviously annoyed at his presence. The voice does sound familiar, but I can't get a handle on it from this distance.

"There are three guys here asking for you..." he says. He opens the door wider letting us pass through.

"Oh yes, Zeke and Uriah...right? Did your friend join you?" I finally started to recognize the voice... it can't be. I look up at the door before I enter, seeing the name clearly printed on the door: "Beatrice Prior." I'm frozen in shock, unable to move further into the room. I turn to my head, needing more confirmation... and there standing in the middle of the room with the same beautiful smile I remember is the girl I have never stopped loving, the same girl that I have wished for since I left home. Beatrice.

Tris P.O.V.

It's the day before Thanksgiving. Besides the prep work that needs to be assigned and completed. I also have hopefully five new members to process. I'm hoping they do show...

As I walk down the street like a million times before, I can't help but shake the feeling that started yesterday. It started when Christina and I were walking through the factionless sector. It was this zing sensation I used to get whenever Tobias was near. I haven't felt it since that night he left home. Maybe it's the stress of the holidays, maybe it's my mind playing tricks on me, but whatever it is, I just can't seem to shake it off.

God, how I miss him. I wish I knew where he was, if he was hurt, hungry, if he was okay. Then my mind wanders into an unwanted territory... What if he is okay? What if all this time I've been here hoping to find him, and he really is fine, and off the streets and living with some... girl? What if he is married with a kid by now? But what if he isn't? What if something much worse has happened to him? I shake my head from the unwanted thoughts and try to blink the unshed tears away. I can't think like that.

I enter the center, starting a much needed pot of coffee. It's still early, so the center is quiet because everyone is either sleeping or still in their rooms. I love this time in the morning when everyone is still sleeping and it is so silent that you can actually think.

I start a load of laundry, folding what's in the dryer while I'm at it. Members are in charge of washing their own clothing, except for the linens and towels that are shared by everyone. I put everything away in the closet that is designated for these items.

I walk into my office, getting my five welcome packets ready for processing today. I decided while I am at it to text to my dad to let him know of the possible five newcomers that we will hopefully have today. He will have to make some time to greet and maybe help them if it's needed. Most of the newcomers that we get don't have IDs with them, and most of the time they need some legal help one way or another. That's where my father comes in. As I sit organizing each packet, from welcoming letters all the way to help pamphlets, I suddenly felt that familiar zing once again take hold of me. It's stronger now than it was this morning. What in the world is going on? Why can't I shake this feeling off? A knock on my office door takes my attention from my work.

"Yeah," I say. I don't bother getting up and opening the door. Everyone knows my door is open to all that reside here. The door opens, revealing the one member I want to see least, Peter.

Peter Hayes came to us two weeks ago. I found him sleeping on the grass in the factionless sector alone and hungry. I brought him back to the center. At first he was appreciative and grateful, not to mention polite. But over the past week his true colors have really started to show. I am starting to understand why he was alone to begin with. He has recently been making unwanted remarks and lewd gestures which, if he doesn't watch it, will get him thrown out of the center.

"Are you busy?" he asks. Although his tone is his fake nice guy voice, I see the underlying already.

"What do you want, Peter?" I ask. I don't try to hide my annoyance of his presence from him.

"There are three guys here asking for you..." he says. He opens the door wider letting the newcomers pass through.

"Oh right, Zeke and Uriah...right?" I say as I stand up from my chair. I walk around the desk to shake both their hands. "Did your friend join you?" I ask, as a movement from the corner of my office catches my eye. I turn as I realize the person isn't moving forward, as if they are frozen in place. I swear my heart stops beating when I realize who is standing in my entrance of my office. Tobias Eaton.

"Beatrice," he barely whispers. I haven't heard that name since my family and I left San Francisco.

"Tobias," I gasp out. I can't believe it's really him. We both move simultaneously towards each other. I almost trip over my feet when I begin to move towards him, but his strong arms catch me before I can tumble down. The moment I feel his hands on me, I feel the familiar electrical jolts run through my body. Our arms wrapped around each other tightly, as if our lives depend on it. I can't believe it's him, it's really him. Somehow he found me. I know in my heart, I will never be able to let him go.

"God, Beatrice, I've missed you so much," he says, his voice filled with emotion. Suddenly my feet are no longer on the floor as he wraps his arms around my waist even tighter, holding my body against his own. Wow, he has gotten so tall, and stronger since the last time he held me. I know on some level I should feel scared with my petite size. But I don't, instead I feel safe.

"Me too," is all I can get out between sobs.

"I think they know each other," I hear from behind me. I totally forgot Zeke and Uriah were here with us. I immediately hear what sounds like a hand meeting flesh with force..."Ouch, ass! That hurt."

"Well stop being an idiot and I won't have to knock some sense into you," the other voice says. Their voices take Tobias and me out of the little bubble that we lost ourselves in, and brings us back to reality. He slowly places me back down on my feet, but only lets one of his arms drop, as he keeps the other one wrapped tightly around my waist. I take a moment to quickly wipe the tears from my eyes, while thinking to myself, I can't believe this day has finally come.

"I'm sorry," I sniff, wiping more tears away. "You guys must want to clean up. How about I show you around and to your rooms, that way you guys can settle in. We can go over things afterwards," I suggest. They both nod, loving the idea of being able to take a shower, and change into clean clothes. Before we leave my office, I once again remind them of our "no weapon" policy and ask that they leave their weapons on my desk. I wait patiently as Tobias pulls out a dagger from his back pocket, as Zeke shakes his head revealing his own weapon. I show them first to the laundry room where the clean clothes are kept. I step aside, letting them grab a few outfits, along with the some underwear and clothes to sleep in. I explain to them that each bathroom is stocked up with generic hygiene items.

I notice that Tobias is apprehensive to let go of me, and when he does it's not for very long. As I show them around, he continues to have the need to touch me somehow, like holding my hand, having a hand on the small of my back, or an arm around my waist, but I don't mind, I need to feel his touch too. It's as if we each worry the other might disappear if we lose the physical contact.

I show them the game room and the group counseling room, which has a dual purpose of being the TV room and is sometimes also used for group meetings. I continue the tour through the kitchen and dining room, along with the laundry room and linen closet, in case there is anything that they might need. I quickly run down the rules of each room, which isn't that difficult if you have any common sense. We finally stop at a room that has four beds. I explain to them that they will be rooming with one other person, whose name is Edward. "Although, Edward has been with us for some time now. I suspect he won't be for much longer," I explain.

"Why, is there a time limit?" Uriah asks.

"Not at all. I mean we do help those that want to be helped, of course. We help with getting your identity back, a GED if needed, and housing until you can get a job and afford your own place," I explain.

"And this is all for free?" Zeke asks, confused.

"Yes. The building was bought with my parents' savings, the county helps out with quarterly costs and donations throughout the city help as well," I explain. "We can get into that more later, once you settle in and we process you," I say.

"Process?" Tobias asks.

"Yes, it consists of a welcome packet, a check up with the doctor, us going through the regulations and the rules of the center, as well as legal services, if needed," I continue to explain. The three of them all look at me as if I have grown another head.

"Excuse me, Tris," Peter says coming from behind me. He unbelievably runs a finger down the side of my arm that isn't closest to Tobias. I swear, I will smack him by the end of the day.

"Yeah," I say, again giving him more attention that I wish I had to.

"There are two girls here that are looking for you. They are in your office," Peter says, making no effort to move. Instead he glares at Tobias' arm that is still wrapped around my waist.

"That must be Shauna and Lynn, two more newcomers that I am expecting," I say, turning back to Zeke, Uriah, and Tobias. "So, um... go ahead settle in. Of course, let me know if you need anything at all. I'm going to get the other two girls settled in, then I'll be in the kitchen. You guys come and find me when you're done, and I'll introduce you to everyone and get you guys processed," I suggest. Zeke and Uriah give me a straight line smile and enter the room, giving Tobias and I a moment alone. "There's an electric razor in the cabinet in case you need it." I say, running my hand through his overgrown beard. He chuckles, turning red. He reaches up grabbing a hold of my hand.

"I still can't believe it's you," he says, our eyes never leaving each other's. Both of us are afraid that if we look away, the other will disappear.

"I know, me too. I've been looking for you everywhere," I admit.

"You have?" he asks. I nod, not trusting my voice to betray my growing feelings. I know I have no right to hope for more than friendship. "So maybe we can spend some time catching up later?" he asks.

"You bet. But maybe after you shower first," I tease him. He nods while letting out a deep belly laugh that I thought I would never hear again. He doesn't say anything, instead he leans in letting his lips touch the skin of my suddenly overheated forehead. Then he pulls away from me, turning to enter his room.

"I'll see you soon, Beatrice," he says with a sad smile.

"I'll see you soon, Tobias," I say, matching the same smile.

A/N

DUE TO THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, I WILL BE POSTING "TO LOVE AGAIN" ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH. I HOPE THAT EVERYONE WHO CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAY, HAS A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM MY HOME TO YOURS.