Tobias and I return to the training room to wait for the initiates after a quick lunch of thin crust pepperoni pizza and garden salad with Italian dressing. It's the first time they served pizza in the cafeteria, and it was a big hit. Tobias stuck his head in the kitchen on our way out and told the chefs it was a good call and that he looks forward to seeing it on the menu again in the near future. I suggested that maybe it needs to be a daily staple like cake. We'll see what happens.
I decide to call Gunner, seeing that we still have several minutes until the lunchbreak is over. I ask about Tyler's room and the murals, and he is happy to take the job, which he can start on right away. All he needs is the measurements of Tyler's room, which Tobias promises to look up when we get home, and he will start on sketches of what he envisions for the furniture. He's going to let me know when they're finished so Tobias and I can look them over. Once we okay the plans, he'll build the furniture, install it, and do any necessary painting after it's in the room. When Tyler's room is done, he'll start the nursery and playroom murals I've yet to decide on. I've also thought about having him do something in our bedroom but I haven't thought of a good design yet.
The misfits slowly trickle into the training room, making sure they all arrive before the 1:30 p.m. deadline, ensuring they remain in Dauntless. They obviously heeded Tobias' warning. We lead them to the opposite end of the massive room and stand in front of the faded black punching bags. The initiates are quietly talking amongst themselves, and I notice they seem to be sticking with old faction lines, which surprises me somewhat. My group of friends was made up of various factions almost from the time we jumped but maybe that isn't the norm.
"Listen up," Tobias hollers when it's time to start. The misfits quiet down immediately. "As we told you this morning, this afternoon you will learn to fight. We teach you these skills so you will be prepared to act. Like the second phase of training will prepare your mind to think clearly in the midst of fear, fight training will prepare your body to respond to physical threats and challenges like it's second nature. You will need these skills to help protect our city and those who live in it."
"Four and I will go over some basic punches and kicks with you today and tomorrow. Thursday will be your first scored practice fight against an opponent," I say. "I recommend that you pay close attention to what we show you. Those of you who aren't quick learners can easily get hurt."
"There are four basic punches: Jab, straight, uppercut, and hook," Tobias says, demonstrating the correct way to deliver each punch in the air as he says its name then I demonstrate it on the punching bag.
"Should you be doing that, Tris?" Ana asks. "In your condition, I mean." I turn and look at her, and she shrinks back, eyes wide. I didn't know I was giving her a hard look.
"Thank you for your concern, Ana, but I'm more than capable of demonstrating the punches," I say. I do appreciate her concern but I don't want to appear weak in front of them. They'll never respect me.
"I'm sorry," she says.
"The standard techniques for kicks are the front, roundhouse, and sidekicks," Tobias says. Once again we consecutively demonstrate the kicks, me in the air this time and Tobias on the bags. "Another powerful tool in your arsenal is your knees and elbows. There are three basic knee strikes: The front, side, and jumping. The two standard techniques in elbow strikes are front and downward."
"Tomorrow we'll go over some common combinations that are useful, and we'll talk about defense," I say. "For the remainder of the day you will be practicing on the punching bags. Each one of you grab a bag and get to it. We'll call for water breaks periodically." I watch as they line up in front of the bags and tentatively start practicing what they saw us do. After they've been working for a couple hours, Tobias and I wander through the initiates evaluating how each one is doing, giving useful advice where needed.
"How do you think they're doing?" he asks.
"Remarkably well," I respond. "I see a lot of natural talent, especially with the guys but Bethany and Faith are almost as good as them with technique. Zoey's going to have problems with the fights. Her body reminds me of when I got here. That's why I told her to work on the knee and elbow strikes since they have more power behind them."
"I gave her the same advice," he says. "I told you that you're a natural." I beam under his praise. He mouths I love you, which I mouth right back. A sudden break in the rapid gunfire at the far end of the room catches our attention, and we turn to see what's going on. Although it's unclear of exactly what's happening, whatever it is isn't good. Tobias looks back at the misfits who are focused on the Dauntless-born as well. "Everyone get back to work. Anyone not practicing must feel they're ready for their first match." They all immediately start throwing punches. We walk along the wall in the dim light to investigate the problem. When we get closer, I freeze. It seems Murphy is on a tirade about Galen. It wouldn't be such a big deal but she has her right hand wrapped tightly around the grip of a gun. The Dauntless-born have split in two and moved away from her. Uriah is trying to talk some sense into her but I see fear in his eyes. He has positioned himself between Murphy and Christina.
"Murphy, you need to put the gun on the floor before you hurt someone," he says. "We know you're hurting. Christina didn't mean to insult you." Murphy exasperatedly runs both hands through her hair, seemingly unaware that a very dangerous weapon is near her head.
"You stay right here, Tris," Tobias says. Panic races through my body localizing in my painfully racing heart. I grab a hold of his hand, and he stares deeply into my eyes. "I need you to take care of our little Peanut. I need to help Uriah diffuse this situation. I'd really like it if you would go back to the transfers but I know you won't so please don't move from this spot." His lips land on mine in an aggressive, apprehensive kiss, then they're gone.
I stand frozen in place watching as Tobias silently pads across the wooden floor sneaking up behind Murphy, praying it doesn't take this moment to groan in protest. She's so engulfed in her own despair that she doesn't see him coming. He quickly wraps his arms around her, trapping her left arm with his but she moves the right one at the last second, and she starts waving the gun around. He struggles with her to gain control of the weapon. I thought it would be easy for him to overtake her but I was wrong, she's a lot stronger than she looks. I glance behind me and see the misfits all standing and staring at the scene unfolding in front of them. I remind myself it's only natural to be curious and turn my attention back to Tobias who's still struggling to get the gun away from Murphy. It seems like this has been going on hours but in truth it's only been seconds. Then a shot rings out, causing everyone to take cover. The bullet ricochets off the stone roof into one of the targets, a one in a million shot. Finally, Tobias obtains control of the gun, and Murphy falls to the floor crying uncontrollably. I let out the breath I'm holding and draw another into my aching lungs as I will my legs to move. They finally do what I want and carry me forward until I'm standing with Tobias, Uriah, and Christina. I watch as Tobias takes his phone out of his pocket and dials Purple-Hair and Snake-Tattoo.
"Simon, I need you and Tony to come to the training room, target side," he says. "We have an initiate who needs to be taken to the infirmary. Thanks." He hangs up and immediately dials another number, which I don't catch. "Zander, it's Four. Murphy just had a complete breakdown. I'm having Simon and Tony bring her to you. She could be suicidal. I just had to wrestle a gun away from her." He listens for a moment then I see his eyes scan the Dauntless-born. "She's fine. They all are. A little shaken but no injuries. Keep me informed of her condition. I know she technically isn't my initiate but I'm taking responsibility for her right now. Thanks."
"I'm sorry," Murphy says through her tears. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." She mumbles the platitude over and over and over.
"Tris, the transfers seem to have stopped practicing," he says. "Will you take care of that?" I know I should do my job without question but right now I'm a wife worried about her husband not an instructor concerned about her partner or initiation for that matter. "Guys, can you excuse us for a moment?" He puts his hand on the small of my back and leads me out into the hallway. "I need you to snap out of…" I don't let him finish his sentence. I lunge myself at him, pinning him against the wall and draw his mouth to mine. I kiss him ferociously until I feel his arms snake around my waist. He slowly takes his lips away and wipes the lone tear away with his thumb.
"I'm sorry, Four. I was scared," I say.
"I'm sorry for ordering you around, love," he says. "I should have realized how you would feel after that."
"Are you okay?" I ask.
"Yeah, a bit shaken up," he says. "Will you take care of the transfers while I accompany Murphy to the infirmary?"
"Of course," I say, feeling much better. He gives me another slow, tender kiss.
"I love you, Six," he whispers right before he lets me go, using his special nickname for me to make me feel better.
"I love you, Four," I say.
"You two are sickeningly sweet, you know that right?" Christina says as she comes out into the hallway. "It's nearly 5:00, let's call it a day. I feel responsible for her break. I think I need to go to the infirmary with her."
"What did you say to her?" I ask.
"I told her to get her head out of Candor and onto the task at hand. I didn't know she was going to go all mental on me," she says, sounding disgusted. "She could have hurt someone."
"You come with me. Uriah and Tris can finish up with the initiates," he says.
"Okay," Christina and I both say at the same time. We go back into the training room and split up. I head back to my initiates, my mind on what's going on behind me.
"Get back to work," I say, my voice low but steady and strong. They hesitate until I give them an irritated look, which I don't have to fake. I just watched the love of my life wrestle a disturbed young girl for a gun. I'm not in the mood to deal with these misfits right now. They step back to their bags and continue practicing. I look over my shoulder and see Tobias and Christina exiting the room behind Murphy who is being escorted by Purple-Hair and Snake-Tattoo.
The sound of gunfire soon fills the air once again, oddly relieving the anxiety flowing through my body. I wind amongst the transfers seeing if anyone has made any progress this afternoon. The guys all seem to be equal in their talent so matching them up for bouts will be easy. The girls on the other hand are a different story. I can almost guarantee that Zoey will be paired with Olivia who towers over her but they are the two weakest fighters. Zoey has great technique but she's very small and Olivia must be afraid of breaking a nail. She needs to pick it up or she might find herself out on her ass. Sadie has definitely shown the most improvement this afternoon. She can now easily fight one of the other girls and not get hurt, well except for maybe Faith. She might be able to go against Alec, and truth be told, I'm not sure who would win.
I glance at the clock on the wall and see that it's already 5:58. Two minutes until I can let them go for the evening. This was always my favorite part of the day. I remember that one year ago tonight Christina played dress up with me and lined my eyes for the first time then I got my raven tattoos, which I absentmindedly touch. It was a good night. I sense the transfers know that it's quitting time but none of them stop punching and kicking the bags, which is good. Tobias put the fear of God in them or should I say the fear of Four. I notice their hands are all red from the exertion, except for Olivia and I sigh. What are we going to do with her?
"It's 6:00," I say. "You're free for the evening. Just a reminder. You all need to be in the dorms by 10 p.m., and you need to be back here by 8 a.m. sharp. Everyone have a good night." I stop to pick up a couple of towels that didn't make the laundry hamper when I sense someone behind me. "Can I help you?" I turn around to find Tobias standing there.
"I was wanting to know if the most beautiful woman in Dauntless would consent to having dinner with me tonight."
"Just Dauntless?" I say with a fake pout.
"The whole world," he says as he glides the back of his fingers down the side of my face.
"What if I say no?" I tease.
"I have ways to change your mind," she says. "I could seduce you."
"Mr. Eaton, you could try," I say. He slowly lowers his lips to mine and kisses me passionately, our tongues tangling the entire time. We kiss until neither of us can breathe. "You drive a hard bargain, husband of mine. If you promise to throw in some sex, I'll consider your offer."
"Sex and a home-cooked meal, not necessarily in that order." He rubs his chin thoughtfully, pretending to make a decision. "You have a deal, Mrs. Eaton," he says, causing me to blush and shake my head. He takes my hand and leads us toward the Pit. "How about spaghetti and meatballs, salad, and garlic bread? Does that sound good?"
"It sounds wonderful but I think we need to stop by the commissary and pick up the ingredients," I say. "How's Murphy?"
"Zander sedated her," he says. "I don't know what to do, Tris. She had her life planned out, and it's been turned upside down and for that I feel bad for her. Part of me wants to give her a second chance, annoying as she is but the bigger part of me wants to walk her to the Pire myself and say, 'Here's the door; don't let it hit you on the way out. You've been reckless not only with your life but the lives of others.' What do you think?"
"Wow," I say, at a loss for words. "I keep seeing you struggle to get the gun away from her. She could have killed you or someone else. It's a miracle the bullet went into the target. I don't know which way I would vote."
"I thought for sure you would fight to make sure she stays," he says. "Christina did but she feels guilty for goading her. I told her not to, that she was only doing her job but she has a bigger heart than she lets on."
"I know," I say. He picks up a basket, and we put all the ingredients we need for supper in it as we wander the aisles. "Is Zander bringing in a specialist?"
"Yeah, he is," he says. "Look! They have chocolate chip cheesecake. Do you want one?" I laugh.
"I swear that Peanut just did a somersault, cartwheel, and jumping jacks at the mention of cheesecake," I say, running a hand over my tummy.
"I'll take that as a yes," he says as he puts the box in the basket. "Do we need milk?" I think about it and nod. We walk to the dairy counter, and he picks up a gallon of 2% milk, and when he thinks I'm not looking, he picks up a can of aerosolized whipped cream."
"What's with the whipped cream," I ask, my thoughts automatically going to ice cream sundaes, which sound really good. I'm starving.
He puts his lips against my ear and quietly says, "This is for the sex tonight," then he places a kiss on my stunned, parted lips. "Come on, love." Once I find my equilibrium again, I let him lead me to the checkout. Suddenly I can't wait for this evening to be over so I can play with my husband. I drop his hand and tell him I'll be right back. I quickly get a bottle of squeezable honey, a small jar of strawberry sauce, and a large bottle of chocolate syrup. When I return with the additional purchases, Tobias' eyes light up and I blush. He carries our bags to the daycare to pick up the kids while I daydream about tonight.
"Mommy!" Tyler screams when he sees us. It's a good thing Tobias isn't the jealous type. I squat down, and he runs into my outstretched arms. I hug him tight and kiss his cheek.
"Did you have a good day, buddy?" I ask.
"I did," he says, his eyes bright. "I played with Zane and Elliott. I taked nap cause I was sleepy. Didn't like Mia though."
"Why didn't you like Mia?" I ask.
He puts his lips up close to my ear and whispers, "She twied to kiss me. I no like kissing."
"Why do you think she did that?" I ask, trying desperately not to laugh.
"I don't know," he says so seriously.
"You better say hi to Daddy," I say, letting him go. He runs to Tobias who scoops him up. I see a bit of worry on his face thinking maybe he had another bad day. "Tell Daddy what Mia did." He gets close to his father's ear, and I see him whisper. Tobias tries not to laugh but lets out a little chuckle anyway.
"Not funny, Daddy," Tyler pouts.
"I'm sorry, buddy," he contritely says. "You're right. It's not funny."
"Where's my baby?" I ask.
"In you tummy," Tyler says, earnestly.
"I meant Tessa," I say, peppering his face with kisses.
"I'm sorry Four, Tris," Mrs. Wheeler says as she walks down the hallway toward us. "I was just finishing up Tessa's bottle. I changed her diaper, too." I reach out and take my little one into my arms, and she smiles at me.
"Are you a happy baby today? Mommy sure is glad to hear that. Thank you, Mrs. Wheeler."
"It's my pleasure," she says. "I'll see you tomorrow, Tyler. You all have a good night." We say our goodbyes and walk to the path.
"We not going to eat?" Tyler asks.
"We're having spaghetti and meatballs at home," I say. I feel eyes on us as we pass the tattoo parlor. I turn and see Olivia, Grant, and Jesse intently watching us. Momentarily, I think back to last year and picture Molly, Peter, and Drew. Where did that image come from? Peter is dead, and Molly and Drew are factionless; none of them can hurt me ever again. I tear my eyes from theirs and shake off the strong feeling of déjà vu I got.
"Are you okay?" Tobias asks, recognizing that I'm suddenly distracted. He's pushing the groceries in the stroller since I have Tessa in my arms.
"I'm fine," I say. "I'm just looking forward to supper. I'm hungry."
"You're in luck, we're almost home." After we enter the apartment, he puts the groceries away while I put Tessa in her swing. I decide to rest while he cooks supper. Tyler pulls out a couple puzzle books and plays with them at the base of the stairs, and I lie down on the couch. Tobias wakes me when supper is nearly ready, and I thank him for letting me sleep with a long, lingering kiss.
"Your lips taste like spaghetti sauce," I say after I pull away. "It's a wonderful flavor."
"Mommy, will you play with me?" Tyler asks.
"I'll let you know when supper is ready," Tobias says.
"Sure, buddy," I say. After I gently ease myself down onto the floor, he brings his puzzles over to me. "Which one would you like to put together?" He points to the one depicting dinosaurs in front of a volcano. We take the pieces off the wooden page and turn them over then proceed to put them back where they belong, completing the picture. These books full of wooden puzzles are one of the best purchases Tobias and I ever made for Tyler. He can sit for hours putting together the pictures of racecars, dinosaurs, astronauts, cowboys, and so much more over and over.
"Supper's ready," Tobias says from the kitchen. I quickly finish the barn animal puzzle we just dumped then manage to get myself up off the floor. "Do you need help, Tris?"
"I've got it," I say as I put the puzzle books where they belong. "Can you bring Tessa into the kitchen please?" After he pulls her up beside the island, he serves us a wonderful supper, which we all enjoy immensely. After the main course is finished, we each have a sliver of the chocolate chip cheesecake. "I'm having seconds of dessert."
"You go right on ahead," Tobias says. "I'm going to finish cleaning up in here then I'm going to take Tyler upstairs for a bath." Even though he had one this morning, he somehow managed to get spaghetti sauce everywhere including his hair.
"Okay," I say. "I'll give Tessa one down here." I watch as he cleans the kitchen, putting leftovers away, loading the dishwasher, wiping off the counters. Hhm? I know that I find him cooking to be very arousing but I never noticed that the clean-up affects me the same way. Maybe I just like him in the kitchen. Oh what I could do to him in the kitchen.
"Are you alright, love?" he asks. "You look a little flushed."
"Just thinking about making a sundae later," I whisper. He smiles knowingly.
"I look forward to that myself," he says. "It was part of the deal after all."
"I'll be up to tuck you in when I finish with your sister, okay, Tyler?"
"Otay," he says. I watch my boys head up the stairs and turn my attention to Miss Tessa who is contentedly sitting in her swing, which has stopped moving. I give her a bath, and she splashes in the water getting it on her face, momentarily taking her breath away. I steady myself for her cries but instead she starts laughing.
"Was that fun?" I ask, drying her face. "How did Mommy and Daddy get so lucky that you're such a laid back baby? You're just like your brother." I finish her bath, wrap her in her hooded towel, and make my way upstairs. I meet Tobias and Tyler in the hallway and hand Tessa to her father. "I'll finish getting Tyler ready for bed."
"Mommy, will you wead to me?" he asks after I help him into his PJs.
"Of course," I say. "You pick out a book." He picks a small book titled How Much I Love You then climbs up onto my lap. I slowly rock as I read the story to him. When it's done, he's out like a light. I kiss his head and say, "I love you to the moon and back, my sweet boy. You sleep tight." I continue rocking him until Tobias comes to check on me. Seeing my dilemma, he puts Tessa in her crib then comes back and lifts Tyler up and puts him into bed. We both kiss him goodnight, and I flip his nightlight on before we leave his room. "Should I nurse Tessa or give her a bottle? I don't want her refusing to take one at daycare."
"I think you can nurse her," he says. "The new antibiotic is helping. She seems like her old self."
"Okay," I say.
"I'm going downstairs and start files on the transfers," he says. "I'm also going to call Zander and check on Murphy."
"I'll come find you when I'm finished," I say.
"I'm looking forward to it, Mrs. Eaton." We give each other a soft kiss then go our separate ways. I rock Tessa while she vigorously nurses after I give her the last dose of antibiotic for the day. When she finishes, she seems a bit restless so I continue rocking her until I can get her to sleep. She lies her head on my shoulder but her eyes are wide like she's afraid she'll miss something if she closes them.
"You can close your beautiful eyes, little one," I softly say. "You need some sleep. I can tell you're tired." I notice my worn copy of What to Expect When You Are Expecting on the side table and pick it up. Isobel recommended that I read it to prepare myself for every step of the pregnancy and birth but life has gotten in the way, and I haven't gotten very far in it. I continue to rock her while I read then something catches my attention and I gasp. Loudly. Peanut can hear us. Of course she can hear us. It's absurd to think she can't. Just like today with the gunfire, the minute it started, she ducked and covered. Sometimes Tobias and I will be laughing and talking, and she moves all around like she's trying to find the best vantage point to listen. Anxiety moves through my body when I think of everything she hears. If she can hear us when we're talking then that means she can hear us every time we have … Oh, God! I can't even bring myself to think the word. All the embarrassment I felt at Zeke's teasing is nothing compared to how I'm feeling right now.
"Whatcha doing, love?" Tobias asks from the doorway.
"Our girl was feeling a bit restless tonight so I decided to rock her to sleep," I say. I hold up the pregnancy and birth book that I've been neglecting. "I thought I would catch up on my reading. Tobias, did you know that Peanut can hear us? I guess I did but I never really thought about it. We can't have s-e-x anymore."
"What?" he asks, his brows knitted tightly together, confused. I sigh. Perhaps his brain doesn't work like mine.
"She can hear us, and she'll know when we have s-e-x," I say, mortified.
"Why do you keep spelling sex?" he asks but I interrupt him before he finishes the word.
"Sshh," I say.
"Love, she doesn't know what s-e-x means," he says, trying and failing to keep humor out of his voice. I narrow my eyes at him, and he stops laughing. "I shouldn't have laughed. I'm sorry. But you're forgetting something, I read that book, too. She may hear us and respond to outside stimuli but she doesn't understand what we're saying or what's going on. As long as you're happy, love, our little peanut is happy so as far as I'm concerned we should be having s-e-x all the time because it makes you very, very happy. I know, I've seen your face, before, during, and after."
"Am I being silly?" I ask, suddenly feeling ridiculous for my reaction.
"No, you're just being a concerned parent, and I love you for it," he says. "Here, let me take Tessa and put her in her crib. Then we can go downstairs and have those sundaes you mentioned earlier, if you're up for it." His enthusiastic grin is contagious, and I find myself getting excited for our little game. I toss the book on the table and giddily follow him into the kitchen. I let out a startled gasp when he suddenly lifts me onto the island then gets the whipped cream out of the fridge. "I think I'll have Tris a la mode tonight." He holds up the can and shakes it.
"If I'm not mistaken a la mode is ice cream," I say with a giggle.
"I'll keep that in mind for a later date," he says with a sexy grin before shooting a small amount of whipped cream in his mouth. He pulls me close and lowers his lips to mine, thrusting his tongue into my mouth to share the delectable sweet cream with me. I tighten my grip on him as we let our tongues tangle intimately. Suddenly, I feel something cold on my neck, and he moves his mouth away from mine so he can slowly lick it up. I close my eyes and moan and reach for the hem of his t-shirt. I lift it off over his head and drop it to the floor.
"My turn," I say, picking up the can. I spray a little in the hollow at the base of his neck then lick it off in three long strokes. His mouth crashes into mine, and we share an eager, fiery kiss.
"Mommy?" Tyler says from the top of the stairs. I groan and rest my forehead against Tobias' trying to catch my breath.
"What, buddy?" I call out.
"I had bad dweam," he says then he bursts into tears. Tobias helps me off the island, and we both rush up the stairs. I sit on the top step and pull him into my arms, cradling his head close to my chest.
"Don't cry," I say. "Mommy's here."
"I no find you," he says through his tears. "I looked and looked."
"Mommy and Daddy were just downstairs," Tobias says, rubbing small circles on his back. "We didn't go anywhere. We didn't mean to scare you."
"Do you want Mommy to rock you?" I softly ask.
"Yeah," he says sniffling.
"I'll carry you back into your room then Mommy will rock you until you go back to sleep," Tobias says. Tyler willingly goes to his father, and we all get up from the stairs. Within minutes I'm in his room with him snuggling close to me, rocking gently.
"What was your dream about?" I ask, conflicted as to whether I should make him relive whatever it was that woke him up.
"I had to live with that man," he says, his voice small and full of fear. I tighten my grip on him and kiss his head.
"That's not going to happen, my sweet boy. Ever," I say. "Go back to sleep, buddy. Mommy loves you so much."
"Daddy loves you, too," Tobias says from the doorway. It takes almost 45 minutes but I finally get him back to sleep. Tobias carefully lifts him from my arms and puts him back in bed, and we tuck him in together then kiss his head softly.
"I'm sorry but I just want to go to bed now," I say as we walk out into the hallway. "I'm exhausted."
"Me, too, love," he says. We change into PJs and slide between the sheets. "I love you, Mrs. Eaton. Sleep well."
"I love you, too, Mr. Eaton," I say as I softly press my lips to his then drift off into a peaceful sleep with my head lying on his chest.