Chapter 17

Tris P.O.V

I let Eric tow me through halls, waddling as fast as I can with Abi in my hands. Not sure who to fear more, Eric or Four. Needing time to think before I take actions. I know I have to get away from Eric, but I also know I can't get near Four. How do I get Abi out of here unharmed. If Four finds me... Will he hurt Abi to get back at Eric?

We get back to our living quarters more quickly then I thought. Eric locks the door behind us. Fear and confusion is evident in his eyes.

"I'll be right back, I'll just put Abi down in her crib." I say turning away from him heading towards my room. I know he follows me, I hear him dragging footsteps to close behind me for comfort. My only hope is that he holds off what ever he is thinking about doing, after I get Abi safely out of my arms. Not a second after she is out of my arms and safe and warm in her crib, I feel hands griping my hair, yanking my head back.

"Ow. Eric, you are hurting me. Please!" I Plea with him barely a whisper. There was no use pleading with him, his face showing no remorse. He drags me by the hair out of the room and closes the door behind us. Throwing me to the floor.

"What did you do? They wouldn't have came here... Unless you did something. What did you do?" He says glaring hard into my eyes. The sudden fear for my life runs through my veins.

"Eric, I didn't do anything. I just gave birth to Abi," I say. Trying to deny asking for help. Why would they contact, Four? Were they working with him? Did I set myself a trap? This makes no sense. I thought Jess was trust worthy not to double cross me like this.

"You lie, you remember. You have to. Who helped you, STIFF?" He says, getting angrier every moment that passes with no answers. Wait. Did he say Remember? What is there to remember? Questions start flooding my mind, distracting me from what is happening. Eric takes his advantage, back slaps my jaw, my head whipping backwards almost hitting the floor.

"What... are... you …. talking... about... Eric!" I say between pants, unable to hide the pain and shock in my voice.

"Like hell you do!" He says taking another blow at me. This time with a close fist punching me closer to my eye. Won't be able to hide these marks.

"Eric, please stop! What is it with you and Four? Why do you feel so threatened when it comes to him?" I say, letting the question about Four slipping through my lips. Knowing that made a wrong move.

"Threatened? HA, is that what you think? When I'm through with him, he will be the one who feels threatened and screwed over by me. This time I win! I WIN!" He says getting up and walking to the door.

"By the way... keep that little shit quiet. Or else!" He says letting himself out, locking us in.

I slowly peel myself off the floor. Replaying the scene that just went on before me... Little shit? What kind of father says that about his little girl? Catching my reflection in a small mirror that is hung against the wall. I see bruises beginning to form. Bastard!

I open the door to his room, I know what I'm looking for now. I look in his nightstand, under it, doing the same to the dresser, and then the bed. Taped under the bed is a gun. When I check it, thank goodness it's loaded for me.

I go back into my room, I check on Abi first. She is still sleeping, bundled up in her purple baby blanket. I take a backpack from the closet and start to pack the necessities for Abi. A few cloths, baby wipes, diapers, extra baby blankets and diaper cream. Today is the day we leave one way or another. I just hope Four finds Eric, and takes care of him for me.

I place the bag in the closet nearest the front door, ready to go. The gun I found rests nestled in my waistbands with my shirt covering it. I pull the pins out of my hair, and start to fettle with the knob. Anxiety getting the best of me, my hands are shaking. I know I don't have much time. I hear something clicks in the knob, and sure enough it's no longer locked. I run back into my room and gently pick up my baby girl.

My heart is racing, I have to get us out of here. NOW I grab a bed sheet and make a carrier for Abigail tying her to my chest. My left hand supporting her tiny body, my other hand holding the gun. I hear gun shots. I know it's wrong to hope for someone's death but my only hope is that Eric is dead. I grab the backpack sliding my arms through the straps.

I open the door to our living quarter, peeking out slowly. Hallway is clear, I open the door more allowing more space for me and Abi to get through. The door shuts behind me, and I start walking quickly down the hallway.

From a far distance behind me I hear what sound like running footsteps. Rushing in my direction. I know I have been spotted now. I run around the corner, I will get out of here. My legs are burning from the pace I have set for myself. My lungs sting for the necessary breath. Shooting pain running through my abdomen down between my legs. I ignore my body's protests. I have to keep going.

"Tris? Tris stop! We are here to help!" A female voice calls out from behind me. I won't dare to stop, it might be a trap. I need to get us out of here.

"Tris, please!" A familiar voice pleads with me... it's the voice of the man from my dreams. No, I can't stop. I need to keep going for Abi.

I'm so close to the exist, I see the double doors to the lobby. I'm going to make it. Just then I feel someone grabbing my arms, forcing me to turn around. The only thing I can do is hold on to my baby girl securely, and get ready to shoot if I need to.

The arms holding me securely in place. His touch is not rough but gently and firm. I look up, looking at him in the eyes. I wasn't prepared for the eyes that are looking back at me. Dark blue eyes, the eyes of the man from my dreams. The eyes that belong to my daughter.