Devil Takes the Hindmost, chapter 20
A/N: Hey, everybody! So, sorry for no updates, as I've been super lazy and busy and frankly terrible, so here's a quickie! Sorry, this is more of a filler chapter, as I'm still planning out Tobias' trial! ENJOY! (Can't believe we're almost to 200 reviews!)
TRIS' POV:
"Just relax, Tris."
"For the last time, my name is Beatrice. And second, how can I relax when my boyfriend is being trialed for murder?"
I throw a hand over my forehead, as the masseuse continues to massage my feet. My other hand is being tended by another woman, whose eyelashes are a bright pink. The bright lights of the salon blind me, and the soothing sounds of running water and the jungle don't relax me as much as they should.
Marlene and Shauna had decided to take me out to the salon, their treat, as a way of relaxing me. Today's trial had not allowed us, only lawyers and the family. Some special consideration had to be done in the factors that the Eaton Company was defending Tobias and most of Callister. I, as the sole girlfriend, could only wait. They had driven me to the Mall, and for the past hour, having me pampered and massaged by the best masseuses and beauticians in the city. I was questioning their intentions, but they told me themselves that they were Tobias' friends, and they were worried about me.
I groan, as the beautician to the side continues to paint my bitten nails a cerulean color, apparently complimenting my eyes. Shauna was on the other side of the salon, getting a facial done, and Marlene is right beside me, getting her cuticles picked at. I take a deep breath, trying to relax, but the past few days at school have been hell.
I found a note on my locker that had read, 'Slut'. I gained glared from many popular girls alike, and Allison herself, Tobias' "girlfriend" had even tripped me in the hallways. I was prepared for many slurs from the girls and the students, but was not prepared for the sudden cold attitudes from the teachers. The reasoning for their attitude had gone amiss to me, before realizing the trial had been aired on television, and everybody had heard that I had been dating Al and Tobias.
The rising guilt inside of me never seems to end, as I feel heat at the corner of my eyes. The reason for all of this was me…I shouldn't have done that to Al. I shouldn't have even fallen in love with Tobias…why the hell had this happened to me? When I moved to Chicago, I had expected a fresh start, a new life, but now, I find myself in the middle of chaos and confusion.
I try to forget the fact my boyfriend is currently on trial, and turn my head to Marlene. Her eyes are closed, a soft smile on her face. Her shoulders are relaxed, the absence of her large canvas purse a bit odd. Long black hair is pulled back from her shoulders and secured in place with a bright white headband, as is my own. She really is beautiful, but I've always had a suspicion about Marlene I could never place.
The way she flirted so obviously with men, but was quieter and softer with girls. The way she refuses every date she's ever offered, but will go out to the mall with whatever girl she can find. Rumor has it she's slept with every boy in this school, but the way she holds herself around boys, I don't think she's…well, into them.
"Hey, Marlene?"
She opens her eyes; big brown eyes framed by long black lashes, and face me. "Yeah, hon?"
"Er…I have a question."
"Fire away."
"Are…you…um…into girls?"
Her cheeks flare red, as she stumbles for words. For the first time since I've met her, Marlene Stevens is speechless.
"Why would you think that?"
"I just…well...you…I've heard...and I've wondered…."
Both of us are quiet for a moment, before she finally nods.
"Yeah. Fine. I like…well…girls."
"Have you told anybody?"
"No."
"Other than Shauna?"
"She knew from the beginning…we've even tried to be together," she says, giggling softly, as though reminiscing about the past, "But…we've gotten as far as kissing…and then we'd both lose it."
"You and Shauna would be a nice couple." I comment, staring at the ceiling tiles. I've had no trouble with same sex couples, but I know the school wouldn't be able to cope with this. "I won't tell anybody if you don't want me to."
"I won't mind if you tell Lynn."
"Lynn?"
Marlene sighs, as the beautician begins to work on her feet, massaging her feet softly, and murmuring to her to relax.
"She…she's…sort of amazing, actually."
"Lynn? She's my age."
"I don't care."
"She likes Disney movies."
"I know. I love them too."
"D'you know if she likes girls too?"
I pause, thinking about Lynn. She never really indicated if she was straight or if she had other sexual tendencies. Even if she did, she wouldn't make it obvious. Many boys have called her a lesbian, or a tramp, but I've never taken them seriously. She's never made eyes at anybody from where I remember.
"Maybe."
"Tris…I…do you mind…asking her for me?"
"Asking her what?"
"Asking…her out."
I blush, realizing what I'll have to do. Ask Lynn out for her? Well…there was nothing wrong with that. I take my cell phone out as the beautician begins to massage my own feet, and I relax a bit more.
"I'll ask her, if you promise to tell her the truth about it. The entire truth."
"I promise."
I begin to text Lynn, my digits pressing against the screen.
Tris: Hey
Lynn: Hey
Tris: You busy tomorrow night?
Lynn: No. I was just planning on watching Frozen again
Tris: Someone wants to ask you out
Lynn: Who?
Tris: Okay, don't freak out
Lynn: I promise
Tris: Marlene
Lynn: :o
Tris: Please?
Lynn:…
Tris: C'mon, Lynn.
Lynn: Tell her to meet me at the theatre.
I turn to Marlene, who has been watching me with a hopeful expression on her face, a mix of worry and hope on her pale face.
"You're in."
Her face lights up in a smile, as she begins to squeal, the beautician glaring at her slightly as her feet begin to kick in the water. A smile emerges on my own face, to realize the extent of bravery I had to gather to be able to do that for her. Marlene and Lynn. Had a nice ring to it. At least in my own misery, I could help others be together.