New chapter! Yay!
Disclaimer: Don't own Divergent
*Christmas*
I fuzzy paw wakes me up. I open my eyes to find Caleb holding the puppy to my face. I laugh and push his hand away. I left his wheelchair next to his bed in case he wanted to get out of bed in the morning.
"Guess what today is!" Caleb's smile can compare to none other.
"Hmm...is it Easter?" I ask. He laughs whole-heatedly. I smile because I miss his smile.
"No! It's Christmas!" he cheers. He's always loved this day. Ever since we were tiny kids.
"oh right! I totally forgot." I sit up and slide out from the covers. "Well then, I better go make some of my special pancakes!" He follows me to the kitchen. I pull out the ingredients with the recipe. I always make homemade pancakes on Christmas. But the fun thing is that I dye them green and red. Caleb watches as I stir everything up and pour them in the pan. I also make some bacon. I plate everything and we go to sit in the living room. Caleb puts Cook in his little bed that I bought a few days ago. We eat our breakfast quickly. "Ok, so I have a surprise for you tonight. I'm not going to tell you yet though. But I do have a question."
"Shoot." He glances at me.
"You've stayed connected with Susan right?" His old crush. He raises an eyebrow curiously.
"Of course. We Skype on Sundays and message every other day." He gets a fond smile on his face. I know they still like each other.
"Great! Now I'll give you the first gift. You really like Cookie?" He nods vigorously and scratches the little pup. Ever since I got him, they've been inseparable. Cook always lays in his lap when he works on classes and they watch tv together. I know he loves the little runt. "Well, here's the little present." I hand him a small flat square box. He rips off the wrapping paper and opens it slowly. Inside is a small red collar. There's a circular tag attached to it that has Cookie written in big letter with our address and Caleb's number on the back. He looks up at me as he holds it.
"we get to keep him?" I nod with a small smile.
"I talked to Haley and she thought it would be a good addition to our family. Now he's all yours." Caleb clips the tiny collar around Cookie's neck. He squirms for a few seconds then calms down.
"This is awesome. Thanks Bea!" I move over so he can hug me. He looks at the dog with the biggest smile I've ever seen. He really like him. I'm glad I can do this for him. I like the idea of him having the company while I'm gone.
"don't be thanking me yet, you'll love my second present even better." I stand up to go wash our dishes. My mind wanders to what Four is doing right now. Ever since that day he kissed me, things have been different. We spend most of our time talking and kissing a few times. Ive almost forgot tent hat I have a job to Do there. Not just my maid job but the one Marcus assigned me as well. I'm still not sure about doing that one. I mean...I don't think I can betray Four. I don't even know what Marcus is going to do with the information I do have. I think I might just quit the job. I'll just have to talk to him whenever he's going to meet with me.
I shake out of my thoughts and throw the dishes in the washer. I go back out to the living room. My two boys are sitting together watching on Caleb's laptop. I just observe them for a few minutes before going to get dressed. I don't know what my plans are for today. I don't have to go to work and I don't have anything to do. Maybe I'll just go for a walk outside. Do something I'll enjoy.
"Hey Bea, why don't you go do something? You've been cooped up in work all week. You should go like see a movie or something." My considerate brother.
"You sure?"
"Yah. You gotta stop worrying about me. I'm not super sick, and I got Cookie here with me. You go have fun." I smile and throw a scarf around my neck.
"You're the best brother ever." I hug him and go to the door.
"I know! See ya tonight!" I wave goodbye and close the door behind me. A blast of cold air hits me strait in the face. I pull my jacket tight around me and go into the snowy outside. It feels good. I like the cold, and the snow is beautiful. Like white little feathers falling softly to the ground to blanket the world.
I trudge through the fresh snow, making my way towards the park near our apartment. I watch the small kids run around in there big, puffy coats. It's adorable. They dive into snow mounds and throw big balls at each other. I sit down on a bench after wiping it off. I just enjoy the crisp fresh air for a while, closing my eyes and relaxing. My good time is interrupted when my phone rings. I pull it out of my pocket and answer.
"Go for Tris." I answer.
"Hey Tris." I sweet, soft voice answers.
"Hi Susan. What's up?"
"I was wondering if I was still on with Caleb tonight."
"Totally." I set up dinner arrangements for the two. I decided he would like that. "It's still a surprise though. Don't tell him anything in a text or something."
"Ok. I just wanted to make sure. Thank you Tris, I've been wanting to hang out with him in person For a while."
"It's really no problem. I'll do anything for my brother." I tell her. "I gotta go Susan. Bye."
"Bye Tris!" She chirps. I had to hand up because I got another text. It from Four. A small smile crawls onto my face. I open it up to read it.
Meet me tonight at 11 o'clock in the meadow.
He means the meadow you can see from his window. I wonder what he has planned. I guess I'll figure out when I get there. I'm surprised he picked such a late time. Hopefully Caleb will still be with Susan at that point. I stand up from the bench and head towards the parking lot. I'm gonna take a drive around town. Maybe I can go ice skating. Who knows. All I know is that it will be activities I enjoy.
"Bea where are you going to take me?" Caleb asks for like the hundredth time.
"It's a surprise! I told you I had a second gift! Now put this on!" I throw a nice blue button up shirt at him. He's already where his best khaki pants. I want him dressed up for his date. Or whatever this is. I wait for him by the door as he gets ready. He comes out in his wheelchair wearing the shirt and a dark blue tie. He looks handsome. "You look great! Now come on!" He push him out the door and straight to the truck. I help him in and throw his chair in the back. We need to hurry. I want to be there before Susan.
"Whats the rush?" He's trying to trick me, I know it!
"I'm not telling you. Now shush up!" His eyes sparkle that certain way when he really wants to know something. I love him, but even I can't deny he's a nerd. I drive as fast as the speed limit allows me. I got them reservations at a fancy restraunt I read good reviews of. The reservations are at 8 and it's 7:43. I want him to be there to greet her.
"Are we almost there?" Oh my gosh he sounds like a little kid.
"Yes. Be quiet." I pull up in front of the big building. His eyes go wide as I park. I scurry out and bring his chair around to him. He pulls himself into the wheel chair.
"Wow. We're eating here?!" I pull my phone out to check if Susan is here. She is. I glance around and see her car.
"You're eating here. I'm not." He looks confused momentarily. "Here is the full present." I wave to Susan. She steps out of her car in a beautiful blue dress. Caleb's eyes go major wide. I smirk as Susan walks over to us. Caleb is openly gaping at her. She turns a bright pink and smiles brightly at him.
"Hello Caleb. Merry Christmas." She greets.
"H-Hi Susan!" he stutters. I back away slightly. They are here to be together. I smile softly as I watch them talk. Right before they go inside, Caleb turns back to me. "Thanks Bea!"
"Anything for you bro!" I go back and sit in my truck. I should probably go home and feed Cookie. I do just that.
He lays in my lap, squirming around while trying to find the bottle. When he does, he latches on and starts suckling like there's no tomorrow. I smile. He's just the cutest thing I've ever seen. Besides Four. I know I know, it's sappy. But it's true.
I watch tv as Cookie continues to drink. I've learned that he has quite the appetite. I don't know how long he's gonna drink. (Sounds funny when you put it that way) I grab Caleb's laptop and turn on H2O. It's a tv show about these three girls who turn into mermaids when they touch water. I love it. I watch a few episodes. When I check the clock, it's 10:30. I should probably get ready. I put Cookie in his puppy pen and go into my room.
I throw on a red sweater with a dark green tank top underneath. I also put on some dark blue skinny jeans. Then there's makeup. I put on some eyeliner and eyeshadow just to make my eyes pop. I look in the mirror to confirm I look good. Maybe not beautiful, but I do look pretty. I make my way outside and into my truck. I drive to the mansion quickly. When I park out front I see that the lights are on. You can hear joyful music coming from inside. I miss doing stuff like that. Eating a big dinner with my family and decorating the tree. Oh well.
I climb out of my truck and into the cold night air. I probably should have dressed warmer. I walk around the house. When I catch a glimpse of the meadow, my jaw almost drops. The snows and ice have caused it to turn into a crystal wonderland. It's beautiful! I step gently through the crisp grass.
"Hello Tris." I flip around and Four comes out of the shadows. He smiles brightly, his white teeth putting the ice and snow to shame.
"Hi Four. Merry Christmas." I walk over to hug him. He wraps me in his warm arms around me. I rest my cheek against his chest. "How's your day been?"
"Good. I like being able to hang with my brother and sister."
"I took Caleb to have dinner with his...well, I don't know what they are honestly. Hopefully I will after tonight." I smile. "It's been a good day for me over all."
"Well it's about to get even better. Follow me." He grabs my hand and pulls me towards the woods that rest farther from the house. I try to keep up with him, but he has really long legs. He must sense this because he bends down. "Get on." I blush and hop on his back. He carries me as if I'm a piece of paper. I am very light.
"Where are we goin?" I sound like my brother.
"You'll see when we get there. It's not much, but I think you'll like it." He weaves through the trees effortlessly. We end up in a clearing. I'm surprised to see a fore pit in the middle with a blanket laid out next to it. On that blanket is a light brown picnic basket. "I thought I nice dinner by a fire would be a nice day ended. I know it's late, but I hope you're hungry." I nod and slide off his back. He's so caring. When I first got this job, I thought he was going to be a bratty jerk. I was so wrong.
"This is perfect." We sit down on the blanket. I watch the fire crackle in its ring of stones. The heat it's emitting is lovely.
"By the way Tris, you look good." He murmurs in my ear. I blush lightly and turn to face him.
"So what do we have to eat?" He opens the basket. He pulls out a plate of ham that has been sliced, some mashed potatoes, Italian rolls, and two cups with sparkling cider.
"You said you don't like beer right?" I nod. "Good. I got sparkling apple cider instead."
"You are to good for me." It's times like these that make me feel guilty for ever taking that job with Marcus. I push the thought away.
"You deserve a lot more than this." He hands me a glass of the cider. I take a sip and the flavor bubbles in my mouth. It tastes really good.
"This stuff is delicious!" I take another sip then place is down. He dishes up the ham and mashed potatoes. I take two rolls, they're my favorite. I bite into one and groan softly. They're so soft and amazing. Four chuckles lightly. We eat while talking comfortably about our day. When we finish he puts our plates back in the basket. We then curl up in front of the fire. I snuggle into his chest with a sigh. "This is sorta cliché. Not this dinner thing, but the whole maid and house master Falling in love." I zip my mouth once I realize what I just said.
"Oh really? You think it's cliché? I guess I'll have to be a bit different then." I'm glad he's sorta not asking about what I said. "Onto a different subject. I got you something." He pulls a velvet box from his pocket.
"Four...I..." he opens it to reveal a golden necklace. There's a small heart lock charm hanging from it with a small key. He connects it behind my neck.
"There. You hold the lock to my heart." I smile back at him. Its been three weeks since we got together. Things have moved pretty fast. I look down at the charms in wonder.
"It's beautiful." I murmur.
"You're beautiful." I still don't understand what he sees in me. He pulls my chin up so my eyes meet mine. He then kisses me softly. I don't know how long we stay like that, just kissing and basking in the fires heat.
when it's around midnight, I get another text. I expect it to be from Caleb! but it's not. It's from Marcus. I excuse myself temporarily and walks a few feet away. Only when I know he can't see, I read the text.
Meet me tomorrow at 5. Same place.
Huh, I guess it's time for our meeting. I'm going to break the deal. I don't care if it's a lot of money, I can't do anything that could possibly hurt Four. I go back and sit next to him.
"Who texted you?"
"Just my brother." I lie. I rest my head on his shoulder. "So what are your siblings like?"
"my brother is a typical type of guy. He works in this big business place. I'm not exactly sure. My sister on the other hand is an artist. Well, part time artist. She also down the virtual design stuff. Like making websites for people. Stuff like that. They're pretty fun. I like having them around." I nod along with what he says. "What does your brother do?"
"He's still taking online college classes. I'm not sure what job he wants when he finishes. Depends with his condition and all. I think it would be better if he got an at home job." I say.
"Ok, so Im guessing you didn't get me anything." I frown guiltily. "So I have a proposition."
"I'm listening."
"I willing to put away my hurt feelings." He mock sniffles and puts a hand over his heart. I giggle. Wait what? "If you...help me find a dog that'll fit me." My smile brightens. I can totally do that! "Oh, and you'll owe me a few kisses." I lean up and kiss his cheek.
"Deal! Let's go to the shelter!" I grab his hand and pull him towards my beloved truck.
"Isn't it closed?" I hold up a set of keys.
"Never leave home without them." I shove them in my pocket and speed off. One of my favorite things is matching a person with their perfect pooch! It gives me a sense of pride. "So we can just go in and you'll have to tell me so wings you're looking for in a dog. Then I'll pick some out to introduce you to and you can pick." I explain on the way there. Parking out front, i pull him to the door. I quickly unlock it. We go inside and my ears fill with yapping. The dogs are always active. Always...I don't mind though. I like it. I take Four to a room that I usually conduct interviews in. "Ok, now tell me what you want."
"K. I want a dog who can protect me but still be very playful and energetic. I want a dude. It doesn't matter if it needs a lot of care. I have a ton of extra time. I would rather have a big dog Instead of the little ones. And the dog will have to like you as well since he'll be sharing." Three dogs immediately pop into my head.
"Ok. I'll go get your first option." I go to the kennels and look down the isles. Where is he... Oh there he is. I go to the last cage and pull out the first dog. His name is Rufus and he's a big bullmastiff. I lead him back to the room Four waits in. "So this is Rufus. I saved him from dying of infection because he had a huge wound right here." I gesture to the scar on his side. "He's pretty tough but will play when he wants." Rufus goes to inspect Four but otherwise doesn't show much interest. "I'll get the next one. He doesn't seem like that good of a match." I put him back in his cage. Next I bring out Buttons. He's a boerboel. I take him to Four. "This is Buttons. He's a boerboel, also known as a South African mastiff. He was found wandering the streets of a bad neighbor hood. We had to get him out because the place was known for hosting dog fights and we didn't want him getting into it. His name is Buttons because the first day he came here, he chewed all the buttons off my coat. He's a rascal." I take the leash off so they can meet. He goes over to sniff Four and seems sorta interested, but not the connection I want. I take him back. Last chance. This dog is my favorite. Ever since we got him, we've been best buds. I love him to pieces and want him to go to a good home. I take him back to Four.
"And who is this?"
"This is Chance. He's a pure bred German Shepard. His name is Chance because we were his second chance. When he was a puppy, he was used as a bait dog. If you don't know what that is I will tell you. A bait dog is the dog people use to excite the fighting dogs. They let the big dogs beat them up to get the, energetic for the fight. So when we got him, he was practically almost dead. He was starving and bone skinny. He also has many scars as you can see." I pull back some fur to show a big scar on his neck. "So we gave him a second chance. He is actually really sweet and loving, but can be very protective. Like over me for example. One time some jerk tried to hot me while I was walking Chance and he almost bit the guys head off it was funny. Come check him out." Four stands and comes closer to me. Chance growls lightly. I laugh quietly. "It's ok Chance. He's a nice guy." As if he understands me, his mistrust turns to excitement in a second. He jumps up on Four and sniffs him. Four chuckles and scratches his head. There's the connection.
"He's cute I'll give him that. So he likes you a lot?" I nod. "Guess we'll have to share buddy." Chance yaps happily.
"You'll take him?" I ask hopefully.
"yah. He's awesome." I get him to fill out a paper. I then type some stuff in the main computer and leave the papers on the desk. Four takes the collar and leash I offer him and slips them onto Chance. His tail is wagging so fast you can barely see it. I give Four a kiss and we hop in the car. This was by far, the best Christmas ever.