Tobias and I walk hand-in-hand from the cafeteria to the auditorium across the crowded, noisy Pit floor. Dauntless members are in full Saturday night party mode everywhere I look. There's a woman probably twice my age with frizzy pink hair pressing a dark bottle to her lips. She's swaying like a tree in a windstorm not paying a bit of attention to the precarious position she's in, balancing on the edge of the chasm. A young man with shocking red hair puts his arm around her, leading her closer to safety but the look on his face tells me there's less danger for her balancing on the edge of the chasm than walking away with him. I foresee a walk of shame in the morning. There are two preteen boys looking up to no good by the entrance of the arcade. I'm momentarily worried when a young girl with blond curls walks out into the Pit but the boys just run up to her, give her a kiss on the cheek, then run off laughing, leaving her stunned. I smile at their childish innocence. A man and woman slightly older than Tobias and myself are leisurely strolling up the winding path with what looks to be a 2-3-year-old little girl with bouncing red curls holding on to both their hands, jumping over cracks and pebbles in her way. Seeing her makes me miss Tyler and Tessa that much more tonight. I need to check in on them again soon.
Tobias opens the heavy auditorium door and lets me go in first. The place is awesome. It's actually set up to look a lot like an oversized living room. There are several couches, love seats, and end tables set up in a large circle. The cold concrete floor is scattered with overlapping area rugs of various shapes and sizes and so many square and rectangular extra-large floor pillows that I lose count. Obviously, Zeke and Uriah took a page out of Christina's playbook and borrowed the items from the furniture store for the night. About 12 round paper lanterns have been hung from the ceiling at strategic intervals over the makeshift circle for mood lighting. On one side of the stage stairs is a table packed with numerous party foods including meatballs, little smoked sausages in barbeque sauce, various types of chips, numerous dips, veggie, cheese and fruit trays, and much more set up buffet style. On the other side of the stairs is another table full of every kind of beverage a person could want: Coffee, tea, soda, juice, water, mixed drinks, wine, and beer. Uriah and Zeke went all out for this. I'm very impressed.
"Four, Tris," Uriah hollers from across the room, making his way toward us. "I'm so glad you two could come! Zeke just told me a few minutes ago that you might not make it, that something came up in the fear landscape room." Oh, my dear, God! Did Uriah actually just say that? I feel my body temperature rise by at least 10 degrees, meaning that I'm probably an alarming shade of red but he doesn't seem to notice. Tobias and I look at Zeke, and he's grinning from ear-to-ear. So this is his plan, have others unknowingly tease us.
"It was nothing," Tobias says, reigning in his anger. Uriah doesn't appear to know our secret.
"Do you want a drink or some snacks?" he asks, pointing toward the stage. "We have anything you could want, except for cake. The chefs wouldn't let us have any. I guess we'll have to dare James to steal some." His face falls momentarily while telling us there's no cake but then he grins at the idea of pranking James again. Poor James.
"This place is awesome, Uriah," I say, looking around once again, trying to get my mind off of Zeke's joke. "Tell me, did you get some ideas from Christina or should her job as Dauntless party planner be in jeopardy?"
"Hey! I heard that," Christina says from right behind me. I turn and give her an apologetic look then get a huge hug from my best friend. "Of course, I gave them ideas! Do you really think Zeke and Uriah could come up with all this by themselves?" She waves her hands in the air, pointing to the immaculate design.
"Hey! I'm standing right here," Uriah playfully pouts. "Oh! More guests. Please excuse me." He walks to the door to welcome James, Ciara, Kirsten, Ella, and their dates. All eyes fall on the men who turned our friends' heads. They look closer to identical twins than fraternal but one of them is noticeably shorter than the other. They both have chestnut-colored wavy hair and eyes the color of rich dark chocolate. Kirsten's date, Trevor, is about 3-4 inches taller and has a somewhat more muscular build than his brother, Stefan, but that's not saying he's a 90-pound weakling. They're both extremely attractive guys who look like they were made especially for Kirsten and Ella. I hope they treat them well. They deserve some happiness after the year they've had.
"Let's get a place to sit," Christina says, threading her arm through mine. "How did the memorial service go?"
"It was nice," I say and Tobias nods in agreement. Christina and I sit down on a plush-looking light gray loveseat.
"I'm going to go say hello to Zander and Stella. They just got here," Tobias says wanting to check on how they're doing this evening.
"Tell them hi," I say then I turn my attention back to Christina. "The memorial service was nice but it was rough. The emotions that she evoke in him are hard enough for him to deal with but then Marcus and Ethan showed up and made a bit of a scene. He let them stay after okaying it with his brother and sister. Right before Ethan left, I thought Four was going to take his head off when he called Tyler and Tessa his children. I've seen Four angry before but nothing compare to this and rightfully so. They're our kids not his."
"I'm sorry, Tris," she says. "It sounds like you both had a rough morning."
"It's behind us now. That's what matters," I say. "Hey, I meant to call you or stop by after you went home yesterday to check on you but things got really hectic. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine now but yesterday afternoon I was a total mess," she says. "Thank you for sending Will home for me by the way. It helped … a lot. That was very thoughtful of you."
"I knew your fear landscape was rough on you and that you would need him," I say then I sigh. "Four's was particularly bad, too. I watched him have to deal with the kids and me dying in a car accident. It damn near ripped my heart out of my chest."
"Oh, I'm sorry," she says. "I'm so glad I don't ever have to do that again," she says. "I wish I didn't have to monitor them either."
"I know what you mean," I say. "I even told Four that I didn't want to do that anymore but with my position as leader and an initiate instructor he told me that I have to. I'm not doing it again while I'm pregnant though. It's just too stressful for me and the baby."
"A little birdy told me that you and Four are moving," she says after there's a lull in the conversation.
"Will!" I say shaking my head and she just smiles sweetly and shrugs her shoulders. "Yeah, we're moving into apartment 15. I think we're lucky someone else didn't look at it first. It's … phenomenal."
"'Phenomenal?'" she repeats, doubt on her face.
"Yeah. Just wait until you see it," I say. "With the baby coming soon, Four and I have been concerned about lack of space. We both love our apartment but we have no idea what to do with two babies short of stacking them on top of each other." Her brows shoot up in surprise. "I'm kidding, Christina. Anyway, he brought up the idea of looking at a bigger place, and after thinking about it, I told him I would. The new apartment doesn't feel like home and I'm sure I'll bawl like a baby when we leave our place but it won't take long until the new space feels like home. I told Zeke earlier that Four and I will have to have a party on the rooftop deck when we get settled in."
"Rooftop deck?" she asks. She displays the same excitement level Zeke showed earlier as I describe each room to her in detail starting with the rooftop oasis. "I can't wait to see it! Thankfully you're still going to be just down the hall from me. I've gotten used to that."
"So have I," I say. "Hey, who's watching Liam tonight?" This is the first time she and Will have left their little guy, and I'm surprised that she looks so at ease. I was a wreck the first time I left Tessa.
"Her name is Kira Bell," she says. "She just turned 14. The administrators at upper levels gave me her name. I asked Avery if she knew who she was, and she told me she's the younger sister of her best friend and that she's very nice, respectful, and responsible. Will checked out her file, and she has had zero infractions. I'm sure I'll check in with her so many times that she'll never want to watch my little prince again."
"I don't want to think about having to find a new sitter," I moan. "Tyler loves Avery, and she's so good with Tessa. I don't think he's going to understand why she's not the one watching him when we finally find a replacement. I must say, I really like the idea of my next sitter being 14 though. At least we'll have them for two years before we have to get new ones."
"Speaking of Avery, she's on her way over here right now, and she doesn't look so good," Christina says.
"Hi, Avery," Christina and I say at the same time.
"Hi, Tris, Christina," she says. "Tris, can I talk to you for a minute?" I notice that her usual spark is gone, and her tone is flat.
"Of course," I say, getting up off the love seat. She leads me to a quiet corner, her eyes averted away from mine the entire time. "What can I do for you, Avery?" She looks toward the floor and all around nervously. This behavior is quite out of character for her.
"I have a huge favor to ask. Can I watch Tyler and Tessa tomorrow night?" she asks, looking on the verge of tears when she finally meets my eyes. "I'm going to miss watching them, and this will be my last chance." I see why Zander and Stella are concerned. She's readying herself to leave Dauntless and wants to say goodbye to the people she loves.
"I'm not sure that's such a good idea," I say. "Your aptitude test is tomorrow, and you're supposed to think long and hard about what you learn from it tomorrow night. You have a huge decision to make on Monday. I'm afraid watching them will just be a distraction for you. I know my kids, especially Tyler, he won't give you two minutes of peace until he falls asleep." She laughs a real, unguarded laugh, and it's music to my ears. I don't like that she's in pain.
"I'd rather spend tomorrow night watching Cars 100 times with Tyler and playing peekaboo with Tessa than doing almost anything else," she says, glancing nervously toward her parents. I look their way and Stella meets my gaze. She looks rightfully worried. I can't imagine Dauntless without Avery, and if she goes I imagine Callen will follow, and what would that do to my uncle? Callen is all he has left.
"Okay," I say. "If your Mom and Dad give you their permission then you can watch them for a few hours. I know they will love it because they love you. Thank you for always taking such good care of my children, Avery. I've never worried once leaving them with you." She throws herself at me, giving me a huge hug, which I gladly reciprocate.
"Thanks, Tris," she says as she backs away. She's frantically wiping tears off her cheeks, trying not to show any sign of weakness. Typical Dauntless not wanting to show any emotion. I hope I see you on Monday, Avery. One good thing about this is it will let Tobias and me talk to her tomorrow night without being too conspicuous. She definitely belongs here. "I'm going to go ask Mom and Dad right now, and I'll let you know what they say." I watch her walk over to Callen who has been lingering a few feet away before I return to the circle of couches. This time I sit down beside Tobias.
"What was that about?" he asks.
"She wants to watch Tyler and Tessa tomorrow night," I say. He furrows his brows in worry. "She's saying her goodbyes."
"Zander and Stella basically said the same thing a few minutes ago," he says, shaking his head regretfully. "She's arranging time with everyone she loves."
"I feel so bad for them," I say watching Zander and Stella sit down on the end of a couch close to where Avery, Callen, and their friends are sitting on the floor. "I didn't even know there was anything to worry about except for making the best choice for me until Tori gave me the news." I don't elaborate but he knows what I'm talking about.
"We really need to talk to her," he says. "Make her understand that we're here for her."
"We will tomorrow after she watches the kids," I say. "Let's try to have fun tonight." I look around the room and see mainly familiar faces but there are a few I've never seen before.
"Who's that with Hana?" I whisper in Tobias' ear. Sitting a few feet away, next to Hana on a red leather couch is a nice-looking middle-aged woman with a blonde bob, striking grey eyes, and an elaborate angel tattoo on her right arm and wrist.
"I think that's her best friend, Amanda, Angie, Abigail … something like that," he whispers back. I'm surprised that I've never heard of a best friend in all these months. "Can I get you something to eat or maybe a drink?"
"I'd love some apple juice and maybe a few snacks," I say. "It's hard to believe that I'm hungry again after that wonderful supper and huge slice of cake we just had but I am. You know what I like." He gives me a quick kiss then gets up and heads toward the stage. I watch him walk away until my view becomes blocked.
"Hey, Tris," Kirsten says. "I didn't think you were going to be here. Zeke told me that you and Four got tied up in the fear landscape room." I roll my eyes.
"Yeah, it seems like he told everyone that," I say trying not to blush scarlet in front of a perfect stranger.
"Well, I for one am happy you two finished early and were still able to come," she says. I wonder why everything sounds like a sexual innuendo tonight. He wouldn't have told our friends … would he? "I want to introduce you to Trevor Butler. Trevor, this is Tris."
"It's nice to meet you, Trevor," I say getting to my feet. He extends his hand to me and we shake. The gesture still feels awkward after a year.
"It's really nice to officially meet you, Tris," he says. "It feels like I know you and Four already."
"And this is Trevor's brother, Stefan," Ella says as they walk up to us. He, too, reaches his hand out for me to shake but he doesn't quite make eye contact.
"It's nice to meet you, Stefan." I feel Tobias' approach before I see him. Suddenly he's at my side, handing me a very large glass of apple juice.
"Thanks," I say. "Trevor, Stefan, this is my husband, Four."
"Trevor, Stefan," Tobias says while he shakes hands with each twin. "It's nice to meet you. Kirsten and Ella have told us all about you."
"All good things I hope," Trevor says with a melodic laugh, which makes us all want to join.
"Nothing but the best," Tobias says. "We've been looking forward to meeting you two and getting to know you better."
"The feeling is mutual," Stefan says. I see another difference in the brothers, Trevor is outgoing much like Kirsten and Stefan is more reserved like Ella.
"I'm glad you and Tris were able to finish up in the fear landscape room and join us tonight. I have a feeling it wouldn't be the same without you two here," Trevor says. Great, him too. What did Zeke do, send out a mass text?
"Thanks," Tobias says.
"Everyone listen up!" Zeke shouts, making me jump. All eyes turn toward him. "We're going to get this party started here in a few minutes once all our guests have arrived. Please make yourselves at home. There are snacks and beverages in front of the stage. Rest rooms are through the stage door and halfway down the hallway on the right. We'll go over all the rules before we start for the newbies. Everyone have fun!"
"I'd like to add something," Tobias says, surprising our hosts. "Everyone please be careful also. Tonight is meant to be fun but remember I will shut this party down if it gets out of control. Recklessness is not permitted. Also, please drink responsibly, and I know some of you choose the day after tomorrow so that means that tonight you are still dependents … no alcohol for you." I hear some rumbling at that announcement from Avery and Callen's friends.
"Very well said, Four," Uriah says. "Everyone get comfortable. We'll start soon."
"We better find seats," Kirsten says.
"It was nice meeting you both," Trevor says. Ella and Stefan give a little wave then follow behind Kirsten and Trevor. They all find places to sit near James and Ciara. I tell Tobias that I need to make a pit stop before things get under way, and I sneak off to the bathroom. When I get back, I sit down on the comfortable love seat and pull my phone out to check on the kids one final time before the party starts. I briefly talk to my mom who tells me that Tyler is sound asleep but Tessa has been fussing quite a bit.
"Does she have a fever?" I ask.
"No, she's cool," she says. Hhm. I wonder why my little one is fussy.
"Do you want us to come and get them?" I ask.
"No, Beatrice," she says. "I've taken care of cranky babies before."
"Is she wet or maybe hungry?" I ask, trying to pinpoint the reason my girl's not happy at the moment. "I still just feed her whenever she's hungry. She nursed practically back to back this morning. Maybe she's hungry."
"She's not wet, I just changed her," she says. "She might be getting hungry but she hasn't given me any cues yet. I'll check."
"You know, I'm going to come and get her," I say emphatically.
"Beatrice Grace, you will do no such a thing," she says just as forcefully. "She's not sick. Your father and I are taking good care of our grandchildren. Please try not to worry yourself. If something should arise, I'll immediately let you know." I sigh. Maybe I'm being overly cautious. They're in good hands.
"Okay," I finally say. "We'll stay and enjoy the party. It's about to start so I better let you go. Kiss the kids for me and tell them Mommy and Daddy love them. I love you, too, Mom. Give Dad a hug. We'll see you at noon tomorrow. Bye." I hang up and tuck my feet underneath me and lean up against Tobias who wraps his arm around me.
"Is something wrong with Tessa?" he asks, anxious. It's obvious he was listening to my side of my conversation with Mom.
"She's fussy again," I say. "Part of me really wants to go get her."
"She's not sick or anything, is she?" he asks, concern thick in his voice. I shake my head. "Good. She'll be alright. Just like you told me earlier, it's only for one night. She probably just misses her Mommy."
"You think?" I ask, wondering about his words. He shakes his head in disbelief.
"She loves you so much of course she's going to miss you when you're not there with her," he says.
"You're probably right," I say giving him a quick peck but it deepens until we're lost in each other.
"Hey … guys!" Zeke calls out, dramatically clearing his voice. The sound of hushed snickers from around the room make me tear my lips from Tobias', and I find everyone staring at us. I automatically blush ten different shades of red and hide my face in his chest. "Nice of you two to come up for air! You know, Four and Tris almost didn't make it tonight. Something came up at the last minute but Four took care of it so that he and Tris could come." He tells the same tired story we've heard from everyone tonight, never taking his eyes off of Tobias who is trying hard to hide his glare but not quite managing. "Now that we have our fearless leaders' attention, we'll go ahead and get this party started. The rules are simple. If you refuse the challenge you're given, you have to take a piece of clothing off and shoes and socks don't count."
"Now that everyone knows the rules, it's time to get this party started," Uriah says with a huge grin on his face. I've never seen so many people at a Candor or Dauntless party. If I'm not mistaken I've counted 25 including myself. This should be interesting.