CHAPTER 2

Tris POV

The next morning, I woke with a jolt. My internal clock was telling me I was late for work, and as I looked across to the digital clock on the bedside table, my suspicions were confirmed. I hastily jumped out of bed, and as I passed the dressing table mirror, I was startled at what was reflected. Messy bed hair, rumpled clothes from the day before, and bags under my eyes stared back at me. After zoning out for a couple of minutes, I realised I was on a precious time limit, and gathered my belongings in search for the shower.

After opening the door to the broom closet, and the laundry room twice, I finally reached the only door possible to be the bathroom.

I sighed in relief, happy to have finally reached my destination. I pushed the door open, only to come face-to-face with Tobias' bare backside. I screeched and dropped all of my stuff to cover up my eyes, while babbling various apologies.

A manly laugh came from the shower as the running water was turned off. The glass door to the shower slid open, and I heard a towel slide off what I guessed was a towel rack.

"You can look now," Tobias said after a while, "everything important is covered."

I slowly moved my fingers away from my eyes one at a time, glad that Tobias had a towel wrapped around his hips. Although the towel was covering the lower part of his body, the top sure didn't disappoint. With well-defined abs, and a defined 'V' leading down to the towel covered area, it was hard not to be impressed. Tobias looked back at me with amusement, obviously seeing me check him out, and I looked away with embarrassment.

"Uhm… I'm really sorry. I didn't know you were in here. I should have knocked." I apologised again.

"It's okay. I wasn't supposed to be in here anyway." He explained. "My shower is broken and the repairman is coming in this afternoon to fix it. I probably should have warned you last night."

"No," I argued, "I still should have heard you. I'm in a rush because I'm late for work."

"It's 5 o'clock in the morning," he exclaimed, "what kind of job starts at 5 am?"

"WHAT!" I exclaimed. "5 am? The clock in my room said it was 7!"

Laughter erupted from Tobias' chest, and I looked at him with annoyance.

"I probably should have mentioned that there was a blackout a few nights ago so the clocks were reset." He explained with amusement.

"My body must think I'm still in New York," I started, "I guess I'm not late for work after all."

"I guess not." He agreed. "I suppose I should get out and let you have a shower then."

"That'd be great thankyou." I smiled at him with sarcasm.

"Unless, of course, you want me to join you?" he asked with an obnoxious grin.

Needless to say, I declined his offer.

After a long, refreshing, and much-needed shower, I put my wet hair into a messy bun and rummaged through my small carry-on bag, wishing the rest of my luggage was with me.

All that was in there was a nice blue blouse, with a grey pencil skirt, and my flats that I was wearing last night. I sighed in defeat, and quickly changed into my clothes. Not exactly the first impression I was hoping for on my first day at work.

I was pretty nervous to start at Dauntless Academy today, to say the least. My parents have wanted me to follow their legacy and become professors at the college they teach at, Abnegation University, back home in New York. After settling with my decision to become a regular teacher, my parents were saddened to hear that I'd have to teach at a different school for a year before acquiring permanent hours at Abnegation University. But it had to be done.

After successfully dressing myself, like I have since the age of 3, I sauntered out of the bathroom, headed for my bedroom. I was stopped when I passed the kitchen and a delicious smell wafted through my nose. Looking over, I saw Tobias, dressed in a form-fitting suit, no tie, standing in front of the stove. An odd sound came through my mouth, and Tobias looked over at me with a smirk.

"Someone sounds hungry."

I smiled dryly at him. "You would be too if you went to bed last night without eating dinner."

"Luckily, here I am, making us breakfast. Aren't I a nice roommate?" He asked me.

I walked over and sat on a stool at the kitchen island. "I guess you're alright."

"Alright." He exclaimed. "I didn't have to cook you breakfast. I could have just made it for myself."

"I know," I sighed. "Thank you, really. You didn't have to make me breakfast. I am very grateful."

Tobias popped a piece of bacon into his mouth. "Good. Now, eat up. I have to get to work soon."

After finishing my delicious, albeit unhealthy breakfast of bacon and eggs, I started clearing the table while Tobias went into his room. As the sink finished filling with warm water, Tobias emerged from his room, walking over to the hallway mirror with a tie in his hand. I stood watching him struggle with it for a couple of minutes before getting frustrated too and walking over towards him.

"Here," I offered, "Let me do it."
"No, I can do it. It's just been a while." He argued.

"I'm getting annoyed watching you try, just let me do it." I said while smacking his hands away.

He sighed in defeat and turned so that he was properly facing me. I could feel his piercing gaze while I expertly tied his tie for him.

As I tightened the knot, I glanced up at Tobias' face and was met with an unrecognizable look on his face.

I awkwardly cleared my throat and stepped back, smiling at my handiwork.

"Thanks for doing the dishes, and for my tie." He said gruffly. "I have an early meeting. I'll see you this afternoon?"

"That's okay." I smiled sincerely. "It's the least I could do after that delicious breakfast. I'll see you after work."

He smiled at me as he walked up to the front door, suitcase in hand, and collected his phone, wallet and car keys off the small table.

"Bye," He looked back at me from the door. "Have a good first day."

I laughed humourlessly as he shut the front door quietly.

AN: Hope you liked the second chapter! I thought I would take an emotional break from reading CoHF and post it! Thank-you so much for the kind reviews and follows! I'd love more feedback if you've got the time! Until next time!