Chapter 43: Party Planning

Hey Readers, here is the next chapter as promised. Thank you to everyone who continues to support this story through your various ways. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. I don't own Divergent. I only own the plot, any military-related mistakes are mine. Just a friendly reminder, I did take some liberties with this story in regards to this story to make things more interesting. Happy Reading!

Tobias whispers, "Good morning, beautiful," into my ear, wrapping his arms tighter around my waist, pulling me closer to his chest. My eyes catch his while I glance over my shoulder. A smirk tugs at my lip at his endearment for me. He continues, "Did you and Chris finish planning the cook-out?"

I giggle, "I think, but you know Chris, once you get her started on something, she is like a dog with a bone. She hasn't stopped talking about it since I asked her to help with the details. I'm starting to believe I made a mistake asking for her help with planning this. I wanted a simple party but knowing Chris, her concept of a gathering isn't the same as mine. Everything is big with her." Tobias absentmindedly plays with my fingers while replying, "I'm sure whatever you both came up with, it will be great. I can't wait to see all your hard work pay off. I know many late nights have gone into this get-together."

"Are you working today?" I ask, staring into his eyes, getting lost momentarily in his gorgeous blue orbs. Tobias blinks, breaking my trans, replying, "For a while, but I promise to be back in time for your party later today." A pout crosses my lips at the idea that he has to work today and he might miss the party.

"Can we watch the fireworks tonight, please, Tobias?" I push my bottom lip further out at him. He groans, "Maybe," running his fingers through his messy hair, getting up from the bed. I squeal, clapping my hands together like a small child. I haven't seen fireworks in years. Tobias lifts an eyebrow, staring, smirking, "That wasn't a yes, you know, right?"

I grin, "I know, but it wasn't a no, either," playfully tossing a pillow at him. He catches it midair, throwing it back onto the bed. He rolls his eyes at me while I wave him out of the bedroom to get ready for work, and my cellphone dings with a notification. A text from an unknown number appears on the home screen. I know it's against my better judgment. A shiver rocks up my spine as soon as I comprehend the words. The text reads: I wear my curse, and you wear my cure, you are the cure, I seek.

How weird! That's an odd message! I close the message, assuming it's the wrong number whose been periodically texting me. Instead, I call Christina, and we plan to go to the store to get the rest of the decorating supplies we need for the party later today.

At the store, we fill the carts with streamers, balloons, paper goods, and food. Chris and I go crazy picking out everything red, white, and blue to decorate the house in. The more supplies we add to the carriage, the higher my excitement builds. When we arrive back at the house, Tobias is home from work, out of his uniform already, and in regular clothing. He glances at Chris's VW bug over-flowing with bags, asking, "Did you, two, leave anything in the store for anyone else?"

Chris rolls her eyes, shooting, "Yes!" I giggle at their playful nature. Tobias skeptically asks, opening the trunk, "Are you sure? It doesn't look like it." Chris grins, "You know, just for that remark alone, you are on grill duty." Tobias retorts, "I thought, I already was. That is what this one here told me," his finger motions in my direction. He wraps an arm around my shoulder, pressing his lips against my cheek quickly, moving away. Chris giggles, "Well, you weren't. Will was going to since he wanted to cook, but now, Will and you get to man the grill."

"Suits me as long as I have a partner in crime to help with the cooking," he grins, smacking at her ponytail, making her hair sway back and forth. Chris yells, "Hey!" Tobias smirks, "What! I didn't do anything. You had a huge bug in your hair! I was saving you from it!" A giggle escapes my lips at their antics. Chris rolls her eyes sarcastically, "Sure, I did!" She grabs another set of bags, carrying them into the house. My cellphone dings again with the same number as earlier. I wear my curse, and you wear my cure.

Having had enough of the creepy text messages, I text the wrong number. I reply: I'm sorry you have the wrong number. Not a moment later, the ding alerts with another message. No, Tris Prior. I have the correct number. I just wanted to see how long it would take you to answer me. I hope I'm still haunting your dreams because I have been reading every single text message you have sent and received. My eyes scan the text message, a shiver bolts up my spine as my phone drops from my hand. Tobias is behind me in a flash. Instantly, he picks up my phone, reading the text message. Tobias mutters, "Who the hell is this, Tris?"

Thoughts and opinions on this chapter. Who do you think is behind the text messages? Are you excited to read about the party Chris and Tris are planning?Please review. The next update will be up on the weekend of October 23,2021