This story is winding down and I hope to have it finished before the year's end. We will see. Thanks for the continued support.
This chapter will be similar to the one that I scrapped before I revamped this story. And I will summarize any other relevant details in the epilogue.
Tobias POV
Sitting here at my graduation ceremony is a surreal feeling. When I was still under Marcus' roof I never thought that this could be possible. I look up into the crowd and I immediately find those gray eyes that I love so much. As soon as our eyes lock she smiles back at me and blows me a kiss. We are just weeks away from celebrating our one year wedding anniversary and what a year it has been. It hasn't always been easy but it has still been filled with amazing memories.
We have little arguments here and there just like any other couple but so far we have kept the promise that we made to each of never going to bed angry. We are both stubborn in our own ways but in the end one of us will give in and there have been times when Tris has knocked on the door to my study and shuffled in nervously before I pull her into my arms and kiss her head and other times when I have cautiously entered our bedroom to find Tris quietly reading or pretending to be asleep but eventually allowing me to sit next to her, hold her and wipe her tears. At the end of the day, we will always fight for each other.
I decided to forgo the general, collective graduation ceremony and opted instead for my program's smaller ceremony. I can handle my claustrophobia in certain situations but not others. After admiring my wife for a few more seconds my eyes scan the seats next to her where my friends sit. Zeke and Uriah are their usual selves, laughing and grinning. My mom and Hana are beaming. It's a blur when they finally call my name. I can hear the cheering from my family and friends as I accept my diploma and shake hands with everyone on stage.
The rest of the ceremony goes by fairly quickly. At one point I feel eyes burning into me and in my peripheral vision I see a familiar girl staring at me. It takes me a second to remember that she is the girl who almost made me lose Tris during my first semester here. I pretend to not notice her and subtly bring my left hand to my face hoping my wedding band is noticable. It seems to work as I can tell that she quickly looks away. The ceremony goes by fairly quickly and once we can leave our seats I congratulate those students that I got to know well during the course of these past two years.
I let go of my fear for a minute as I make my way through the crowd to reach Tris. Finally I see her and she runs to me and jumps into my arms. My face is buried in her long hair as I capture her lips. I set her back down after pulling away from the kiss. Tris steps aside to stand next me as my mom then Hana take turns giving me a hug. The rest of my friends give me hugs or claps on the back. We mingle for a bit and take pictures before heading back to the house for a small celebration. I really didn't want a big party but I still wanted to celebrate with everyone.
Tris, my mom, and Hana prepared the food while I allowed Shauna, Marlene and Christina to decorate a bit. Zeke, Uriah, and Will brought drinks which includes minimal alcohol if other people want it. Of course I wasn't going to leave Caleb off the guest list. He and Cara couldn't make it to the ceremony but will be here for the party. Tris told me that Caleb wants to talk to me about something. I tried to get her to give me a hint but she wouldn't budge. She told me that she was sure I will be happy to hear what Caleb has to tell me. I eventually gave up and decided to wait to hear it from Caleb. I invited a few people from my graduating class and they all said they'd stop by briefly.
A while later everyone is mingling around our backyard. Somehow Tris and I ended up sharing a plate of food as she came to sit on my lap. I certainly don't mind though. When she gets up to throw the plate away Zeke and Uriah smirk at me. I just roll my eyes and proceed to remind Zeke what I told him at my wedding. He has yet to follow through with his end of our deal. His eyes go wide and he nods. I know I was never one to show any affection but Tris is my wife. When Tris returns she suggests that I go talk to Caleb before he leaves. I simply nod and walk over to where he is talking with Cara.
"Hey Caleb. Tris said you wanted to talk to me before you leave?"
"Yeah I do actually." Cara smiles at me then gets up and walks over to Will and Christina.
"Tris told me that you've been looking for and have applied for a few jobs."
I nod and he continues.
"Well, the company where I work is hiring and is actually looking for someone who is good with computers. We have a specific department that handled cyber security and Tris told me that you enjoyed the classes you took on that subject. Obviously in this day and age hackers are popping up everywhere so a company like this needs someone who is new and fresh but also skilled. You should apply and if you do I am sure you'll get it. We've been looking for someone for a while but haven't found anyone who fits what we need."
I stare blankily at him for a moment, in shock. "You really think I would be good enough for the job even though I just finished school and only have a two year degree?"
"Of course! And not just because we are family but because I know that if necessary you'd be willing to learn more and every department has a training program. If you needed or wanted to earn a four year degree you will be able to do that and still keep the job."
"Wow. That sounds too good to be true but I will definitely think about it."
"Talk it over with Tris if you're still not sure, but trust me that you might not be able to find an opoortunity as good as this one."
"I haven't heard anything back from the ones I've applied for already so I think I will send in my application for this one. Thank you, Caleb."
"No problem and the pay and benefits are good too so you wouldn't have to worry about that especially if you and Tris plan to start a family soon."
"That's definitely something we want and knowing that I have a stable job and that Tris finishes her studies and gets a job too if she wants reassures me that we will be financially stable enough to start having children."
"It seems like you've got it all figured out and that's a good thing. It says a lot about your work ethic and knowing your responsibilities. All the more reason I think you'll be perfect for this job. I couldn't imagine anyone being better for my sister. I'm glad she chose you. I know you'd do anything for her and for any children you two have in the future."
I smile. "My potential future children wouldn't have a better uncle than you, Caleb. I can never thank you enough for believing in me and letting me marry your sister."
"I've only ever wanted her to be happy and there's never been a doubt in my mind that you are who makes her happy."
I smile again and look over at Tris who is engaged in a conversation with our friends and smiling. I know without a doubt that seeing her smile is my true happiness.
A/N: Made some changes to this chapter.
