I'm not sure when this chapter will be completed. I've been re-reading the previous chapter and I don't know if I liked how it turned out. So please leave a review for it and let me know what you think, if I should add or change anything. It'll be much appreciated.

AN2: The previous chapter is fixed. It's a little on the short side but I'm satisfied with it how it turned out and hope y'all will be too. In order not to do a completely ridiculous time skip but also not prolong things with filler, I won't be detailing every single thing about Tobias' time in college. In the non dialogue parts of a chapter (the narration, I guess) I may indicate that days, weeks, or months have gone by and briefly mention things that happened in those days, weeks and months if it's relevant to the story. If I feel the need to detail some things it may be a flashback like I've used in previous chapters. While this was a slight bump in the road I know where I wanna take the story from here on out. I said a few chapters back that I wasn't sure if this story would be more than 40 chapters total but it's possible that it could be more. Excluding my stand alone AN, this is chapter 30 not 31.

Tobias POV

My first day of college is tomorrow. I'm completely calm and ready for the day ahead. A new chapter of my life is starting and I couldn't be happier. I think back to orientation day which wasn't extremely long ago. While my first instinct was to feel out of place with people a decade younger than I am I don't think anyone cared if they noticed that I don't look 18. I was worried that my claustrophobia would kick in but thankfully I was able to keep it under control. As time goes by I've found that it's getting much easier to control my fears.

Luckily I don't have to worry about my third fear anymore since I'm no longer anywhere near war. And I no longer have nightmares related to Marcus. In the event I do have a nightmare at all it is usually about losing Tris. I had to tell her once when I had a nightmare and confirmed that it wasn't about Marcus. At times I'm still a little worried that she will run into Peter when I'm not around and I still have no idea what he look like or anything. I doubt she would still have any pictures of him so one day I decide to try a different approach since the subject is really bothering me.

"Tris, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, babe. What's up?"

"This might sound like an odd request but ever since my nightmare the other night, I really wanna know who and what I'd be dealing with just in case you ever see Peter unexpectedly again."

"You mean you wanna know what he looks like?"

I nod. "I think that could put me at ease even just a little bit."

"Okay." She says as she grabs her laptop and opens her Facebook account.

I see her type in the search box "Peter Hayes". I'll have to remember that name in full. She scrolls a bit until finally clicking on a profile. She turns her laptop towards me so I can see. At first glance he seems like a normal 20 something year old guy, slightly stocky with short brown, curly hair (A/N: Miles Teller...thumbs up). I don't wanna judge him too much from a picture but I have to wonder if a seemingly normal demeanor is only a façade given what Tris told me about their relationship when I first met her. Tris must be able to gauge what I'm thinking when she speaks.

"You'd obviously have to meet him in person to know the real him, but this is the best I can do for you for now."

"I know. That's what I was just thinking."

"If it's any consolation, if he 'abused' me in any way it wasn't so much physical as it was emotional."

"Still, no one should have to experience any kind of abuse. Marcus wasn't just physical with me. He put me down and made me feel worthless too and for a while I believed him. I had no one to tell me otherwise."

"Now you do." She says, smiling as she kisses my cheek. I smile back.

"I promise that I'll do everything in my power to protect you. I know you're perfectly capable of taking care of yourself, but just please let me be there for you."

"I know that, Tobias. And thank you for having confidence in me but I do know that I'll always have you as my knight in shining armor."

I chuckle. I feel a little better now but I know I'll have to be prepared for anything.

PAGE BREAK

The next morning I wake up early remembering what today is. I'm really looking forward to what's ahead. I am grateful for all the support I've been getting not only from Tris but from my mom, Jack and Amar.

Since I'm taking a full schedule I will only be working occasionally on weekends when Amar really needs me. I know that I may not be working at the restaurant forever but I know that it'll be hard leaving that job since it has become an important part of my life. Amar has treated me with respect from day one and I've come to look up to him. He may not be my biological father but he is the closest thing I have to one now. I'll always be grateful for those final moments I got to spend with Marcus, but Amar has shown me what it is have a father figure in my life.

I'm pulled from my thoughts by movement beside me. I shift and am met with beautiful gray-blue, stormy eyes. She smiles at me and I smile back.

"Good morning, babe. Today's the big day, huh?"

"Good morning, love. It sure is."

"I'm gonna make you a special breakfast before you head out."

"That sounds great. I'm gonna get in the shower. I'll be down in a bit."

We kiss and I head to the bathroom.

As I enter the kitchen after my shower I see Tris placing a plate of eggs and fresh fruit on the table. While we eat we talk about my first day of classes. I also ask her how her classes are going and if she's happy with her decision in this new career path. After clearing the dishes from the table we both make sure that we have everything ready for our respective classes for the day.

When it comes time for us to separate for day, Tris kisses and hugs me tight, wishing me good luck. I drive to campus with a smile on my face, ready for the day ahead.

PAGE BREAK

My first day goes off without a hitch and I head home with my books, supplies and assignment calendars for my classes. I make small talk with a few people in my classes and look forward to meeting new people as the semester progresses but of course I'm anxious to return home to my favorite person.

When I pull up to the house, Tris' car is already in the garage. I haul my backpack out of the car and walk inside. I immediately inhale the aroma of delicious food.

"Babe, I'm home."

Seconds later Tris meets me at the entrance to the kitchen from the garage wearing a cute apron. I envelope her in a hug.

"How was your first day?" She asks.

"It went well. Better than I expected. My professors are nice and I'm already getting to know some of my classmates. I think I'll enjoy my classes."

"That's great, Tobias. Dinner is almost ready so when you're ready, we can eat."

"Okay. Give me ten minutes and I'll be right back."

We enjoy dinner together as I tell Tris more about my day at school and I'm truly happy I made the decision to return to school.