Tobias and I finally make it to work almost a full two hours later. We made love two more times before we could tear ourselves away from each other. Tobias told me we need to fight more often if that's what making up was going to be like. First, I lightly smacked his arm, and then I kissed him soundly on the mouth almost causing us to be even later.
Since I'm only supposed to work in my office this week, I'm going through a stack of incident reports from the past month. With the exception of Ivy's death, Hana and Tobias' assaults, and my accident, it's been a relatively quiet month. I find this part of the job repetitive and rather boring but it needs to be done. Suddenly, I see Christina lingering outside my door. I catch her gaze, and she walks into my office.
"Hey, Tris. Are you busy?" she asks.
"Not really. It's nothing I can't finish later," I say putting the files aside.
"You've never tried on the dress I set aside for the masquerade ball in the boutique. Zoe is pitching a fit thinking it won't sell if you don't like it. Is there any way you can come and try it on right now? We can call it a party planning meeting," she says. Crap! The masquerade ball is the day after tomorrow, and Tobias and I haven't gotten outfits yet. I've been so caught up in everything else that's been going on that I haven't taken the time to get a dress. Shopping probably isn't a normal duty of a Dauntless leader but if it keeps her best friend in the good graces of her boss I think it's well worth it.
"It would be my pleasure to try on the dress right now. I'm sorry about last night by the way. It was bad enough I cancelled our plans at the last minute but showing up on your doorstep a total wreck was uncalled for," I say. "You're a great friend, Christina. I don't tell you that enough. If you ever need anything, you let me know."
"I will. Are you sure you're okay? I know what you two said this morning but I still worry," she says, concern behind the smile. I nod trying to reassure her. "Okay, then. Let's go get you a dress."
"How about the tattoo. When do you work in the parlor again?" I ask, wanting to get Tobias' raven as soon as possible.
"We can do it now if you want to. I'm actually Dauntless Party Planner at the moment but everything is going very smoothly in the auditorium, and they can do without me for a while."
Christina and I leave my office and tell Tobias we're going to the boutique to get our outfits for the ball because Zoe is giving Christina a hard time about holding them any longer. I'm about to tell him about the tattoo but I quickly change my mind since I want it to be a surprise. Instead I tell him I'll meet him in the cafeteria around noon.
Christina and I make our way down the path that winds its way to the floor of the Pit. It surprises me that it doesn't take longer since I have to use the crutches for two more days but I've gotten remarkably agile with them. Since the tattoo parlor is before the boutique we stop there first. She leads me to her station, and I sit in the reclining chair after I take my shirt off over my head. I also have to pull my left bra strap down to expose her work surface. She moves closer to me and starts working on the raven.
"I'm sorry Will and I interrupted you two this morning but we really needed some answers," she says. A blush starts to color my cheeks. She knows this is an uncomfortable subject for me.
"It's okay," I murmur.
"You made up for it later though, didn't you," she says.
"Christina!" is all I can say.
"I don't understand why you don't want to talk about sex with me," she says, sounding almost offended. "I'm your best friend, Tris. I won't tell anyone else what you have to say, not even Will if that would make you feel more comfortable."
"I don't think I will ever be comfortable with the subject," I quietly say. "I still have trouble talking to Four about it."
"It's amazing isn't it?" she says. "Unlike anything else."
"Yes, it is," I finally say.
"I told you."
"When Four and I went to Abnegation to talk about the Dauntless crisis with my parents, my mom gave me a sex talk," I admit shyly.
"She did? What did she say?" I relay everything she said that day. With each passing sentence Christina's eyes widen a little more.
"Wow," she says. "I can't imagine that coming from someone in Abnegation. No offense, Tris."
"None taken," I say with a smile. "I was shocked, too. I couldn't speak for a long time because I was so embarrassed."
"Why does this subject embarrass you so much? You obviously aren't afraid of it anymore. I know how late you two were this morning. You had to do it more than once," she says, fishing for information. I shake my head at her.
"You will never get details out of me, Christina," I say. I take a few deep breaths to calm myself before I continue. "It's private, between Four and me."
"Okay, okay," she says with a disappointed smile on her face. "You can't blame a girl for trying."
"Why do you want to know anyway?" I say, real curiosity in my voice.
"I don't know. I would like to have someone to compare my experiences with. I mean Will and my first time was over practically before it began," Christina says. "But that's okay. It only means he was just as excited as I was. I imagine it's normal but I don't have anyone to talk to about it. I was hoping I could talk to you." I think about her request and realize she actually makes a lot of sense.
"You have a point, Christina," I say. "Maybe one day I'll be comfortable enough with the subject to talk to you about it."
"You can talk to me about it or ask me anything anytime you want to," she says, happy that I'm considering opening up to her. I sigh.
"Our first time was ... wonderful but somehow, unbelievably, it gets better each time we do it," I quietly say. "And you're right, it was more than once this morning." Color floods my cheeks at my admission. I can't believe I just told her that.
"Thanks for letting me in," she says with a grin on her face. She doesn't ask any more questions sensing my restraint. She just hands me a mirror, and I look at my newest tattoo. The larger raven is in perfect proportion to my others, flying exactly over my heart. She rubs ointment over it, puts a bandage on it, and tells me to leave it on overnight.
We head out of the tattoo parlor and down the path to the boutique. Zoe gives me a frown when she sees me walk in with Christina but doesn't say anything to either of us. I head into a private dressing room, and Christina disappears into the backroom to retrieve the dress she set aside for me. When she comes back, my mouth drops open. In her arms is the most beautiful floor-length light cornflower blue gown I've ever seen. Actually it's the first cornflower blue gown I've ever seen. She also has a pair of 3-inch white jewel-decorated strappy sandals and a white mask that's adorned with the same white jewels that are on the shoes. I'm totally stunned to see a color other than black, gray, or the occasional red.
"The masquerade ball gowns and dresses are every color of the rainbow, Tris," Christina says, knowing exactly what's running through my mind. "I thought this color would look good on you with your blonde hair and blue-gray eyes. Go ahead, try it on."
She tells me to put the shoes on first or the dress will puddle on the floor around my feet making it hard for me to walk, not that 3-inch heels won't make it hard for me to walk. What is she trying to do, make me sprain my ankle again? After I put the shoes on, with Christina's help, I step into the dress, and she slides it up my body. It's strapless and tightfitting across my bust and waist. The silky fabric of the bodice is slightly stretchy and feels like someone wrapped it tightly around my chest giving it the perfect fit. Hundreds of cut crystals the exact same color of the dress have been hand sewn onto the bodice eliminating the need for a bra. The bodice comes down to my natural waist then flares out dramatically. There are four long slits up the dress just on the outside of each leg on the front and back that come above my knees. There are approximately a dozen sheer panels in the same color as the dress, each approximately 6 inches wide, gathered at the waist and hanging down to just above the floor creating the illusion of a fuller skirt. A wide cornflower blue ribbon one shade darker than the rest of the dress hides where the skirt and panels attach to the bodice. I take a few steps and realize the slits make it so the dress isn't restrictive, and the sheer panels make it so I don't feel self-conscious about showing more skin than I'm used to.
She hands me the mask, and I just stare at its magnificent beauty for a moment. It's absolutely exquisite and definitely one of a kind. I put the mask up to my face and slide the elastic band over my head to hold it in place. It seems like this mask has been molded specifically to fit my face. It's made of a stiff yet pliable fabric the same shape as every other masquerade mask I've ever seen except it's adorned with hundreds of little sparkly white jewels of different shapes and sizes set in an elaborate floral pattern. You have to look closely to see the white fabric beneath the crystals. On the left side of the mask are three white, silver, and cornflower blue feathers curving gently up and away from the mask hugging my head gently. Whoever made this mask is a master craftsman.
"What do you think?" I say to Christina, turning so she can see me from every angle.
"I think it's perfect," she says. "But more importantly, what do you think?"
"Perfection is an understatement, Christina. Zoe shouldn't have doubted you. I definitely will take it," I say. Then I examine myself closely in the mirror, turning this way and that. "Do you think I should get a lighter shade of lingerie? I don't think I can see the black through it but it's probably better to be safe than sorry. Wait, do you even carry other colors?" I look at her, and she rolls her eyes at me.
"Yes, Tris," she says, laughing. "We have every color you could imagine. Do you want something the same color as the dress?"
"Yes or lighter. Do you think I need a bra?"
"Not really but all of our lingerie come as a set." She leaves me in the dressing room for a moment while she goes to pick out a set that's appropriate for the dress. I take the mask off and set it aside. I'm sitting on the chair taking off the shoes when she comes back in with the perfect lacy pale blue bra and boy shorts. She then helps me out of the stunning ball gown. I get redressed then pay for all my items and Tobias' matching costume. He's going to look dazzling in the white tux with bow tie, cummerbund, and mask that match the cornflower blue of my dress and white shoes.
Christina carries my bags to my apartment for me as we discuss how my hair should be styled the night of the ball. She suggests adding long extensions, which she can easily do the day of the masquerade ball, then doing a curly updo or cascade the curls over one shoulder. I'm sure whatever she decides will be perfect. After dropping my purchases off, we head back down to the cafeteria for a late lunch. By the time we sit down at our table, most everyone else has gone back to work. Tobias, Zeke, and Will are the only ones sitting at the table, and Tobias is the only one who's still eating. Christina and I both grab a plate, and I quickly eat, suddenly realizing just how hungry I am. I hear Tobias chuckle, and I blush knowing the reason for my increased appetite. I usually don't have cake at lunch but today I get myself and Tobias both a slice.
"Hungry, Tris?" Will asks, noticing my indulgence. I try my best not to blush again and quickly answer his question. I can feel Tobias' silent laughter beside me.
"Yeah. I didn't have much of a breakfast, and Christina and I have been walking all over the compound. I'm not used to it yet."
"Why're you laughing, Four?" Zeke asks, narrowing his eyes at his best friend.
"I don't think her appetite has anything to do with walking around the compound," Christina says, smirking. That does it. Color floods my cheeks.
"I don't get it," Zeke says. Usually he's quicker than this. Out of the corner of my eye I see Will give Christina a questioning look then realization sets in on his face.
"That's why you two were late to work this morning? Sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned anything," Will says, embarrassed himself.
"Seriously, what's going on?" Zeke says. I'm really surprised Shauna didn't tell him about my admission the night of Tobias' attack or if she did he just isn't putting two and two together.
"Four and Tris worked up an appetite this morning, Zeke," Christina says, speaking to him like he's the slowest person she's ever met.
"Shit, you two were having sex?" Zeke yells much too loud for my liking. I see several eyes from neighboring tables land on us, and I blush a deeper shade of red. Tobias exhales irritably.
"Do you want to say that just a little bit louder, Ezekiel," Tobias says. "I think there are some people in the compound who didn't hear you."
"Sorry, man," he says. "I didn't mean to shout. That news just surprised me. I thought you two were being Stiffs and waiting." At that comment Tobias narrows his eyes at his best friend. If he hadn't told Will and Christina his secret earlier today, Zeke would have just revealed it. "Oh, shit, man. I did it again, didn't I?"
"Almost, but Will and Christina know about me," he says. Then he sternly adds, "You have to watch it though, Zeke. Don't make me sorry I trusted you."
"I sincerely apologize, Four. It won't happen again," Zeke says, genuinely sounding sorry.
"Christina," I say, remembering her yelling my given name while pounding on our front door this morning. "I didn't yell at you for screaming my name through the door this morning. Was that absolutely necessary?"
"Yes it was. You weren't going to answer, admit it. I thought that would get your attention," she smirks at me again, and I blush once again remembering what she interrupted.
"What's your full name?" Zeke asks. He's so full of curiosity today.
"Beatrice," I slowly say. He looks at me, studying my face for a long time, making me a little uncomfortable.
"You definitely look more like a Tris than a Beatrice. What made you change it?" he asks.
"Four," I start to say but he interrupts me before I can continue.
"What, he didn't want to date someone named Beatrice?" he asks, laughing. I just look at him.
"I didn't even know her name was Beatrice at the time, Zeke," Tobias says. "Not until later that day."
"What? You never told me that," I say.
"I finally figured out who you were at lunch, when I told you to be careful," he says smiling at the memory. "When I said your name something inside me clicked, and I knew who you were, Beatrice Prior."
"Finish your story, Tris," Christina says.
"When Four pulled me out of the net he asked my name. I paused because I really didn't feel like Beatrice anymore, and he told me I could choose a new name but only once," I say, smiling up into Tobias' sparkling eyes. "I thought a new name for a new life was appropriate, so I chose Tris."
"I'd always wondered why you introduced yourself to me on the train as Beatrice then Four called you Tris at lunch but I didn't want to seem nosy or too Candor," Christina says. We laugh at her honesty.
"I figured out who you were from the Erudite reports Peter was always going on and on about," Will adds.
"Wait, are you Andrew Prior's daughter?" Zeke asks. Okay, he is the slowest person I've ever met. I've just never noticed before.
"Yes, Zeke, Beatrice Prior," I say with a chuckle. "My dad is Andrew Prior, a member of the Abnegation council and their representative to the leaders council. My family was a target of Erudite's gossip after my brother and I chose different factions other than Abnegation." I say all that like I would say the word duh.
"Andrew Prior is the new leader of Abnegation, Tris. Haven't you heard? Marcus Eaton was thrown off the council today but gets to maintain his residency in Abnegation, although from what I've heard, it was only by a narrow margin. The reports are sketchy right now as to what happened but there's supposed to be a formal announcement later today," Zeke says. I look at Tobias.
"I was going to talk to you about it after lunch. Your dad called while you were with Christina," he says but he quickly changes the subject, making me suspicious. There's obviously more to the story. "I assume you got a dress."
"Yes, I did. I also got your outfit. Christina is a savant when it comes to picking out clothes for people. If the boutique ever needs a new manager, I suggest she get the position," I say.
"Awe, that's sweet, Tris," she says. "I should probably go check on the maintenance workers and see if everything is coming together in the auditorium as I envisioned." She gives Will a quick kiss then heads out of the cafeteria. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Peter staring at me and I sigh.
"What's wrong?" Tobias asks, concern lighting his face. I glance in Peter's direction, and he follows my gaze. "I'm going to put a stop to this right now," he says, anger in his voice. I grab his arm as he tries to get up and shake my head at him.
"I'll see what he wants," I say. "Please stay here. Trust me." I give him a lingering kiss then get up from my table and walk over to Peter. It looks like he's choking on something when he sees me approaching.
"Can I help you with something, Peter? You've been staring at me, and to tell you the truth, it's a bit creepy," I say.
"Maybe your friends shouldn't announce to the entire cafeteria that you and your boyfriend were having sex this morning," he says with an evil glint in his eye. Instead of being shy or embarrassed at his statement, it makes me angry.
"Jealous that I have a sex life?" I say. He obviously was expecting the little girl from initiation who wouldn't stand up to him and not the woman standing before him because he seems disappointed by my reaction. He looks over my shoulder and shrinks back a little telling me Tobias is looking our way. "Seriously, Peter, do you want something. I've noticed for weeks now how you seem to be watching my every move. What gives?" I hope I'm not giving away too much information at the moment but I'm sick of it, and maybe I can get him to slip up and tell me something useful.
"I was looking at you just now because of Zeke's comment. I don't watch you any other time. Get over yourself," he says, scoffing at me.
"Yeah right," I say. "Whatever. If you decide to tell me what it is you want, let me know." I go back to my table and sit down next to Tobias. "He's an ass. Oh, and thanks, Zeke. He heard your comment, and God only knows what is going on in that psycho head of his."
"Sorry, Tris," Zeke says bashfully.
"Did he say something to you?" Tobias says.
"Nothing I couldn't handle. I'll tell you more later," I say. "Shall we go back to your office? I want to hear what my dad had to say."
"Sure. Hey Will, do you happen to know who's on patrol today?" Tobias asks. Will pulls out his phone and opens a screen.
"Mike, Nick, and Amber are patrolling the compound and Josh, Brandi, and Matt are patrolling the grounds. Why?" Tobias stalls, obviously not wanting to answer Will's question.
"What's going on?" I ask.
"Let's go to my office, both of you. Some threats have been made against Tris, and I want to make sure the patrols know exactly who to look out for," he says, surprising us both, although I can guess who made the threats, Marcus.