Chapter 39
Tris P.O.V
It doesn't take me long to discover what he meant by "back to the start." I may not remember everything the way it really happened. But I do remember my life up to Choosing day. We were approaching the streets of Abnegation. Excitement to see my home faction rushed through me. I missed the simple innocent life of Abnegation. Sure I didn't belong in Abnegation, but the simple life was pleasant at times. I also miss my Mother and Father and Caleb. I wish at times tables could turn and I could see them all happy under one roof again.
But I don't regret leaving, even after everything that has happened. I wasn't just Abnegation, I was also Dauntless and Erudite. I couldn't live my life in a lie, never belonging, always lying about who I truly was.
When we turned on the main street of Abnegation, I notice many things are missing. What were rows of Abnegation homes, now only five are left standing. The Church, Volunteer building, Abnegation Hall still stood though.
I felt the truck slow to a stop and notice that we are parked on the side of the road. I take not that my house still stands just a few feet away. Four doesn't say anything, he looks nervous being here. He quietly gets out of the truck and retrieves the stroller from the back bed. I get out of the truck when I see him reaching my side. Always a gentleman Four, secures Abigail in her stroller and places a bag in a basket under the stroller.
When he stands, I notice he takes a deep breath to help steady himself. I wonder what about Abnegation has him on edge like this.
"When it was decided that Factions were no longer needed and wanted with in the city, there was agreement to open the Factions to the Public. To honor what was, and how we got to where we are today." Four, begins telling me... taking the stroller and walking towards my house.
"The houses that remain are the houses of those that lead the Factions. The Prior's, Eaton's, Blacks, Smith's, and Long's," he says pointing to each home. "They are cleaned every morning, and kept the way they were lived in." He ushers me to my door, and I take the front end of the stroller lifting it over the three steps that lead to the front door. Four, follows with the rear of the stroller.
When we enter everything was has it was, every glance I took another memory flooded my mind. My mother always sat in the love seat closest to the front door, she hung a bag full of yarn over the arm rest, it also held her knitting tools. The bag still hung in it's spot.
My father at night would read the Bible, in the bigger couch nearest to the fire place. The Bible is now on the coffee table. My finger graces the cover as I walk by it. I feel a tear escape my eyes.
I notice a silver memorial plaques hanging on the wall, it shows the names of all residents of the home. Along with a small story about the family.
Here Resided Andrew and Natalie Prior.
They resided with their two loving children
Caleb Prior- transferred to Erudite
Beatrice Prior- transferred to Dauntless
Andrew and Natalie both married out of love and devotion for one another. Both coming from other faction they made a happy and loving home for both their children and devoted their lives to Abnegation and being selfless. A family that will be forever missed!
I decided to continue not wanting to loose all emotional control. I walk in the kitchen, a cutting board with a fake but realistic looking knife is on the counter, the table is set for four, and plates bowls and cups are filled with artificial foods. In the center of the table is a serving plate with Chicken, peas and carrots, and bread.
"Each house has displayed what was most commonly ate in the home. You always said chicken, peas and carrots with a slice of bread was your family's to go meal." Four says, almost forgetting he was there.
"This was actually what we ate the last night we were under one roof." I say taking the time to remember.
That night our parents allowed us to have a free conversation. Something we were never allowed. Children always had to remain quiet while eating allowing only the adults to have conversations. But that night our parents took the time to allow us to speak. It was a treat for us. We spoke about the rumors of Erudite, were spreading about the families of Abnegation. One being Marcus Eaton and his son Tobias. There were allegation that Marcus was abusing his son. That night plays so clearly in my head. After dinner Caleb and I cleaned up the dishes and the kitchen for our parents, letting them go to bed. But they didn't leave until after they kissed and hugged each one of us. Something else that was forbidden (showing affection), I think deep down inside our parents knew of us leaving. Neither one never pressured us to stay or leave.
"Why don't you look upstairs, I'll stay down here with Abigail." Four says probably not wanting to carry the stroller ten stairs up. I nod and make my way up the too familiar stairs.
When I hit the top of the stairs, there are four doors, one leading to Caleb's, my parents', bathroom and my room. I turn into my room. My school bag still sits in the same spot, my desk is empty, and my bed still made. Caleb's room little more cluttered, I never took notice the books he finally had no shame in displaying, all taking their residency on his desk. When I reach my parents' door, I don't have the heart to open the door to take a look. The memory of her lost so painful to me. I turn and head back down. I place a hand on the door, leaning my forehead into the warn out wood, taking a deep breath and closing my eyes shut tight.
"I'm so sorry, it was all my fault, if only if I was... I hope I can be to her what you were to me. I love you!" I say and turn away.
"Thank you for bringing me here." I say to Four once I reach his side.
"Will we be seeing anything else in Abnegation?" I ask.
"Just one more house, that one has a story that you need to know." Four says and we head out of my childhood home.
Happy Reading Everyone!