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Chapter 16

A change of heart

Tobias' POV

I glance at the clock on my nightstand and sigh when it reads nearly five am. I roll on my right side, punching and adjusting the damn pillow under my head. I know it's not the pillow or the bed for that matter keeping me awake, but more to do with my thoughts that are going a mile a minute. I can't seem to turn them off in my head for the world of me.

I finally sat up, turning on the lamp next to me. I run my hand through my hair, it's been a long night. That's for sure.

I think about Tris and our date last night. It was everything I never knew could exist. Other than seeing Zeke with Shauna or Hana with her husband years ago… I never knew something like this could even exist, let alone for me. It's that longing and enjoyment to be near a special person. It's something that makes you both lose track of time talking about anything and everything at the same time. Usually I hate hearing about a person talk about themselves, but with Tris it wasn't anything like that. The way she talks about everyone, she is so selfless. She would clearly bend over backwards for anyone in her life, whether they deserve it or not. It was nearing one in the morning when we finally realized how late it was. Tris and I cleaned up the gazebo and made sure all the candles, the fireplace and the twinkling lights were off before we headed back to the main building.

On the way home we took our time, avoiding the icy pathway on the way back. It gave me a great excuse to reach out and hold her hand. Which, if she was against it she could have easily taken her hand back at any time. Instead, even after the icy pathway we stayed connected. I couldn't help it when my thumb made soft and slow circles on her hand.

I helped her first take her coat off when we finally reached inside the main building. We shivered all the way to the large fireplace that was still on in the living room. I rubbed Tris' hands as close to the fireplace as possible, hoping for the warmth of the fire and the friction from my hands to warm hers. They were ice cold.

We walked hand in hand to my door, seeing that my door was the first stop from the stairs that lead to where she stays. I looked for every sign possible, not wanting to overstep. She delayed leaving me, glancing between my lips and hands that were still joined with hers, did I mention she kept saying what a wonderful time she had. I finally gave in to both our wants, I let her hands go before bending over slightly as I cradled her face between both of my hands. Again I moved ever so slowly, giving her every chance in the world to stop me or to make herself well known that she did not in fact want this. But our lips connected… and fuck did they connect. I have kissed a lot of women in my lifetime… But never like that. The passion behind it felt like a bomb waiting to explode. It felt like a million years and yet only mere minutes before we finally broke free from each other. Even then we were left breathless and wanting more.

Thus, leaving me in my waking state that I am in right now. I've laid here contemplating on what to do about this place that I have found myself in. Thinking how in the hell did I get here and how am I going to get out of it. I know what I have to write… and what I don't want to write. The thoughts of what will happen if I do and don't have played in my head a thousand times. I don't see a right outcome either way. One way or another someone will lose.

One thing for sure… I know no matter what happens I want nothing more than to be with Tris.

I finally give up at the thought of sleep by six in the morning. I pull on a pair of jeans and a black long sleeve shirt before brushing my teeth and heading downstairs. After a night like last night, I am in much need of some coffee, that's for sure.

I head over to the self-serve station Natalie already has set up. It's nothing really, other than hot coffee, tea, hot cocoa and a few pastries. There are a few guests already awake, mostly men, heading out for a day of ice fishing. Or so they are dressed for such.

The loud, heavy sound of wood breaking comes from outside. I glance out the window, surprised when I see it's none other than Mr. Prior. With each swing of the ax, he looks like he is in pain. I put my cup down, grabbing a fresh and clean one, I fill it up with fresh hot coffee before placing a lid on it and head outside. I remember to grab a coat on the way out. Not wanting to freeze this early in the morning.

"Good morning, Mr. Prior," I greet him, making myself known. You never do want to surprise a man with an ax. Especially when that man is the father of the woman you are currently dating. He stops mid swing, surprised to see me.

"Oh good morning, Tobias." He smiles, leaning the handle of the ax against the large trunk of a chopped tree. I admit that sight alone… relaxes me. At least he can't chop my head off, yet.

"Coffee?" I offer, extending my arm out to him. He eagerly takes the cup from me, thanking me as he takes a large gulp.

"I needed that." He says, showing his appreciation. He places his cup down to the side before turning back towards the ax. I see the cringe on his face.

"You know… I have never chopped wood before. Do you mind if I take a swing at it?" I ask, holding my hand out for the ax. In all honesty I haven't chopped up wood before… Well if you count the gaming machines at festivals that is.

"Sure. We need a lot of it… might snow tonight. All the cabins need to be stocked in case. He says, handing me the ax. I pretend not to see the relief on his face, as he takes a seat on the rocking chair on the porch. He gives me a few tips on how to chop.

"So how's that report coming for you father?" Andrew asks, giving into his curiosity.

"It's… coming," I say, struggling to find the right words to say to him. What can I say… I can't write it. I care too much about Tris now to write what I should. I don't believe this place needs to be bulldozed. Or I know, my father is a monster… He loves nothing more than to break things down and build it back up to bend his will.

"Tobias, I want you to know I understand the pain of being torn between doing something and wanting something else." Andrew says. "I can see it in your eyes, son." I turn, looking him in the eye. How? I glance down at the ax in my hand, I lift it in the air like he told me to do, bringing it down with all of my might. I feel satisfied when I see the log fall into two pieces. I feel the burn in my arms. Damn this is a better workout than lifting weights at the gym.

"My father has always had his way. I can't figure out why he would want this place. He prefers places for young couples or singles… a place more…" I gesture with my free hand. I lift another log onto the trunk and ready the ax.

"A place less family oriented you mean." Andrew says for me, he nods his head pressing his lips into a thin line. "So what does that mean, exactly?" He asks, confused.

"If he buys this place…" I begin to say, breathlessly as I bring down the ax again, chopping the log into two once more. "Most likely he will bulldoze it to the ground. Start fresh from scratch, bring in everything that will represent him more."

"And how do you feel about that?" Andrew asks.

"I'm not sure anymore." I confess. "I know what I don't want to happen." Andrew nods, in understanding.

"Because of Tris?" He asks.

"That's a part of it," I answer. "Mr. Prior, why do you want to sell this place in the first place?" Since we are both being honest. Might as well ask.

"This place was started by my great grandfather when he was just married. It was a place to raise his children and a place to pass down to them. My grandfather opened it, added on to it. A source to make an income for generations… My father was the one to add in the cabins…" He continues, glancing around at a lifetime's worth of memories. "One generation of treasure is another one's burden. You see I grew up knowing one day this would all be placed on my shoulders. Something to live up to. Even if it's not what you wanted all along. When I had my children that feeling grew. Caleb didn't want this. Who was I to force it upon him." He explained.

"What about Tris? She seems to want it," I ask.

"That's true. She does. It had never been passed down to daughters before…Not that I wouldn't still. But as much as it's an honor to shoulder it's just the same as a burden to carry." He says.

I take a moment to ponder his words. A part of me begins to understand his words. Even though the reasons to continue the resort are there… It also means a lifetime of work and slavery for others. To never be able to enjoy your holidays because you are too busy making it for others. But there has to be a way around that burden. To fight for what should be hers?

"I didn't want my children to sacrifice the way we had to." He finishes.