Hope y'all liked the previous chapter. Let me know what you thought since I was stumped on how to end it. I didn't really plan to include that particular book (and film) quote, it sorta just popped in my head so I hope it worked.

Tris POV

I feel a little better after talking to the girls but I don't know if I should try to talk to Tobias just yet. I think it's more of me giving him his space rather than the other way around so I don't wanna bother him if he's not ready to talk. Hopefully he will come to me when he's ready.

Its been a while since I've stepped inside a gym so I decide that now is as good a time as any. Tobias went for a run so he won't be home and will probably get home before me. When I get to the gym I decide what I want to do first. I see that the gym has punching bags. I've never done that before but decide that I could work on strengthening my wrists, hands, and arms. I warm up a little with dumbbells first and do a few sets. I see that there's some tape so I can wrap my hands and avoid injury while punching.

It's hard to pinpoint exactly what emotions I've been feeling the past few days, but standing here punching the bag as hard as I can is a bit of a release. I'm angry at myself for doubting Tobias' love for me. I know that he's frustrated at me. There's really no use in crying anymore. I'm practically all cried out at this point. I barely register that someone else is also using the punching bags just feet away from me. I don't know how long I've been here until I hear footsteps coming towards me. Out of the corner of my eye I catch sight of familiar blue eyes. He walks over almost unnoticed by everyone else but I notice him because I've trained myself to notice him. I keep my eyes trained on the bag wondering what Tobias will do or say. Suddenly, his hands are on my abdomen. I suck in a breath at his touch. With this simple action I'm reminded how much I crave and miss being in his arms.

"Remember to keep tension here." He says.

I nod but don't turn to look at him. "Thanks."

"I'm heading home to shower then going over to Zeke's."

"That's fine." I respond.

I inconspicuously watch as he gathers his things and heads out the door. It's difficult watching him walk away from me, but I have no choice but to respect his need for space. I probably wouldn't have known what else to say in that moment anyway.

When I get home Tobias is coming down the stairs, freshly showered and clothed with his keys and phone in hand.

"The showers all yours. I'll be back in a couple hours."

I nod my head in response and watch as he heads out to the garage. I sigh and head upstairs.

About 20 minutes later the doorbell rings. I frown in confusion but get up to answer the door.

I am not prepared for who I see on the other side.

PAGE BREAK

Tobias POV

When I get to Zeke's I sigh and plop down on his couch.

"What's up with you, man? You look off."

"Tris and I got into a big fight after she accused me of cheating on her."

"Is that true? Did you?"

"What?! No! Of course it's not true, Zeke! I love Tris!"

"What made her think that then?"

"Some girl in one of my classes slipped a note inside my notebook with her phone number and obviously wanted to hook up with me. She even asked me in person if I wanted to go to her apartment. I didn't tell Tris that part though. Tris saw the note."

"Crap. I'm sorry, man. So Tris didn't believe you?"

"No, she didn't and I have no idea why. I thought she trusted me after our fight after the club."

"I don't think it's that she doesn't trust you. Obviously she's scared and doubts herself and doubts her worth. She thinks she's not beautiful on the outside and wonders why you chose her."

"I know, and that's what frustrates me the most. I don't know what else to do to make her see what I see in her."

"Well, I don't know if you're ready but I think the only solution is for the two of you to sit down and talk things over. I know you're gonna say that you already had this conversation with her after the events at the club but sometimes you need to have these types of conversations more than once especially if you know she's the one. I'm sure deep down she knows this too. Don't give up on each other."

"I know what you're saying is true. It's just that even after I gave her a promise ring and told her my intentions for our future, she still has doubts about us. I wouldn't intentionally hurt or leave her."

"Now that you say that, her fears may not be totally out of place. While you need to keep reassuring her that you wouldn't intentionally do anything, I'm sure even you would have the fear of something unexpected happening that could potentially tear you two apart. Something that is out of your or her control. No, we can't and shouldn't live in fear and with pessimism all the time but everyone has moments of weakness, fear and doubt."

I process his words before speaking. "So you're saying like an accident or some type of physical injury or illness?"

"Exactly. No one can predict that and it's a scary thing to think about but there's unfortunately always the chance it could happen. Look what happened to my dad."

I nod. Zeke and Uriah lost their dad when they were young. He passed away in a car accident. It happened about five years after Evelyn left. I remember he was a good man and, at the time, the only example of a loving father that I had.

"Sometimes bad things CAN happen to good people." He says. "But the trick is to keep moving forward and not letting your past define you. I know there's something that you haven't told me about yourself and that's okay and obviously Tris has been through some stuff as well but you two have each other to lean on."

I manage to smile a little at his words. "Thanks Zeke. One day I promise I will tell you."

"It's okay, Four. I understand. Whenever you're ready I'll be here to listen and to support you in any way that I can."

"Just by being my friend and not pressuring me you already are supporting me."

He smiles back and places his hand on my shoulder.

"Now go home and get your girl back."

I race out the door with determination.