Gwyneth POV
I actually woke up fairly early this morning, being that it was a Saturday. I'm going to a party tonight, and mom isn't home, so I went into her closet to find something to wear. I walked in and saw something red bundled up in the corner hidden underneath a bag. When I went to hold up the garment, an intricate, silver jewelry box thudded to the floor. The box must have been wrapped in the red dress.
I sat the dress down on the floor and opened up the jewelry box. Inside were what must be hundreds of pictures. I took out the one at the top and couldn't help staring at it. Three of the people looked to be about 16 and the other one looked 18. They were all smiling. It looked really out of place on the 18 year-old's face. He had his arm around a blonde haired girl in the red dress that must be my mom. Another guy had his arm around Aunt Chris, and he must be Mel's dad.
I pulled out another picture with my mom and two others dressed in black. They looked like 16-year-old versions Uncle Uriah and Aunt Marlene. I realized that I had left the light in mom's room on when I heard the sound of footsteps coming towards the closet.
"Gwen, what are you doing?" Aunt Chris called as she stuck her head in the closet. She looked at the picture of her and mom that I had sat down. "I see you've found our old pictures.
"What are these, Aunt Chris? I've never seen any of these people before."
"Wait until Melanie gets up. I'll tell you both at the same time."
2 Hours Later
"Alright girls," Aunt Chris started as Mel and I were sitting in the kitchen eating breakfast, "I have a story to tell you."
Aunt Chris told us about everything. We already knew about what was going on in Chicago from school, but she told us the story of our parents and how they met. She also told us about the war, how the fence was opened, how Melanie's dad died (he passed away four months after the war from a tragic training accident), and about my dad cheating on my mom.
"I had really started to like your dad. He was so different around your mom than he had been in training, and it was clear that he really loved her. I think that cheating on your mom was the biggest mistake he could ever make."
This was a lot to take in. Mom and Aunt Chris had a completely different past than what I'd always thought. And I just learned who my father is and why he and my mom aren't together.
"I thought of a great idea. Would you girls like to go visit Dauntless? We can stay with Aunt Mar and Uncle Uriah, and you girls can see a little bit about where you're from. I'm sure you'd like to learn a little more about your past. Besides, you learned about the factions in school and visiting them would be a great learning experience for you. You've never been outside of New York, so this could be an incredible opportunity," Aunt Chris offered us.
"Yes! I would love to go!" Mel shouted and ran up to give her mom a hug.
"Gwen? Do you want to go?"
"Of course Aunt Chris! This is so exciting!"
"Alright girls. Aunt Tris is gone on business until next Tuesday, so we should probably leave tomorrow or Monday to make the most of our time there. I'll start looking at flights. You girls go start packing."
I had to say that visiting Dauntless definitely beat going to that party tonight. Because it's summer and Aunt Chris's job doesn't require her to go to an office, it doesn't matter what days we are gone. I honestly can't wait to see where my mom lived.
As I was packing, I thought more about what Aunt Chris said about my dad. All mom had told me when I asked was that he was not who she thought he was. I could always tell that mom didn't like talking about him though, so I didn't ask again. I couldn't believe that he cheated on my mom. She's amazing and I can't believe anyone would want to cheat on her.
Thankfully Luke saw how amazing she is. I love Luke like a dad because he and mom have been friends since she was pregnant with me. I'll probably always call him Uncle Luke, but it won't be hard for me to adjust to him being my dad.
Just then, my iPhone started buzzing with a song from Leverage. Mel and I just love that show so much.
Two good old boys
Behind the wheel
Chasing down bad guys in Lucille
The song filled the room as I searched for my phone. I saw that it was my mom calling and quickly answered it.
"Hello," I answered, hoping that didn't sound suspicious.
"Hey honey. I have some important news to tell you. Luke and I aren't getting married anymore."
"What? Mom why?"
"Well, honey I thought I could trust him, but your father hurt me too much. I'm just not ready to be serious with someone else. I know it's been 14 years, but I'm only 31. I can find someone else. Don't worry about me though darling. I'll be fine."
"Oh mom. I'm so sorry. Are you sure you're ok? You and Luke have been together for three years."
"I told you, Gwenny. You don't have to worry about me. But I'm getting called into a meeting. I'll call you before bed. Love you."
"Bye mom love you too."
I can't believe that my mom and Luke are finished. I mean I always knew that my dad really destroyed her, but I didn't realize just how bad it was. Aunt Chris just told me that mom never had good self-esteem though so dad must really have crushed what little she had. I feel so bad for my mom. I'm happy that Aunt Chris wants to keep Mel and I away from him while we're in Dauntless.
"Alright, dolls, I booked our flight. We need to leave for the airport in three hours, ok?" Aunt Chris shouted, peeking her head into the room. Mel and I shared a room because four bedroom apartments are too expensive for them right now. We didn't mind though.
"Ok mom got it. Don't worry we'll be ready." Mel told her.
"K dollies I just wanted to make sure." I love it when Aunt Chris calls us doll, dolls, or dollies. It's our thing just like how mom always calls me honey or darling.
5 hours later
It was time for us to board our flight. I sat down in the window seat in my row with Aunt Chris and Mel. We were on our way to Chicago. I had a feeling that this trip would change my life forever.
Hey everyone sorry it took so long to update. I was busy for Christmas and then I got sick :(. Anyway, I just want to confirm that this will be a FourTris story. I kind of started to set that up in this chapter, but I just wanted to kind of reinforce that idea. I hope you liked this chapter and feel free to comment any ideas you have.