And we're back!
Happy Reading Everyone!
I hope all of you are having a wonderful start to the New Year and are having a wonderful Valentine's Day!
With that, let's get on with it.
*** Like always, I have no claim over the Divergent series or the characters, all rights belong to the one and only Veronica Roth. ****************
Trigger warning: This story will contain sexual content, mentioning of child abuse and possible other trigger warnings. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
About:
Life has always been complicated for Tris and Tobias to say the least. There is something said about that one love that got away, but when life closes one door, another one will soon open. Perhaps even a second chance at love.
Nine years ago
Tobias' POV
I stare off, up into the night sky. There is no way in hell that life can get any better than where it is right now with the girl of my dreams naked in my arms, after just having sex under the midnight stars. The night of my graduation with our future ahead of us.
Not even Marcus could ruin this moment for us.
I grip my hold on Tris' body a little harder, holding her tighter against me. I smile wider when I hear her soft giggle in my ear. Her body is squirming beside me.
"Not again." Tris says, her voice filled with both amusement and fear of what I might say. I'll be honest the way I'm feeling right now I probably could go again and again and then probably again. But my good conscience warns me that I might leave her paralyzed from the waist down…. Our last round I went a little rough and wild on her. Although I heard no complaints from her, I don't want to push it.
"I would if you didn't have to work tomorrow," I confess, giving her delicious ass another squeeze. My mind wanders off for a moment thinking about the other girls I was stupid with, that I wasted my time and energy on. Always knowing that what I really wanted was always mine to reach up and grab. All we needed was just a little nudge.
"Then what is it?" She asks, when we both fall silent.
"That this is the best day of my life," I say, obviously trying to be sweet. I give her that smile that she always said I dazzled women with.
"Oh really?" She asks, unable to believe a word I just said. "I thought you said the best day of your life was when we…." She corrects me.
"Okay second best," I laugh, giving in. I lean down pressing my lips against hers. Can I ever get enough of her? The way she tastes, the way she smells, the way she…
"Mmm." She says, breaking the kiss. "We should really get up and get dressed before anyone notices that we are gone." She points out. Although she is right, like always, I hate the thought of moving from this spot. Our spot, the Chasm.
"I know. I'm just…" I'm unable to finish, unable to find the words.
"I know. Comfortable." She says, finishing my thought. Although comfortable isn't what I'm feeling right now.
"What time do you have to wake uo for the shelter tomorrow?" I ask. Hating the thought of her being exhausted on the first day of work at the shelter because of me.
"Mom has me scheduled for eight." She answers. Growing up Tris always talked about helping those that were less fortunate than her. A trait that she got from both of her parents. But to start the first day of summer is a hell of an idea.
"What time is Zeke getting you to go to that one college?" She asks, as she begins to rise from my chest. Instantly I forget her words, missing the warmth of her body against mine.
"You mean the University of Illinois, Chicago?" I corrected her, sitting up from the floor. "Yeah we're leaving at 7." I answered her.
"Who would have thought… Zeke Pedrad, going to college." She jokes, we both laugh at my best friend's expense. It's not that he isn't smart, it's just this is Zeke we're talking about. Goofy, never could be serious, Zeke.
"I can't believe I have to share a dorm room with him come Fall," I say, rolling my eyes. Okay, a part of me really can't wait. To be out of Marcus' house and moving on with my life. Zeke knows all about my nightmare of a childhood that I have had. Makes it easier for the nights when the nightmares are the worst. There will be no questions or puppy dog looks to see from him.
"Just one more year." She says, with disappointment edging her voice. We agreed long ago, to avoid telling anyone about us. Wanting to avoid those awkward conversations, judgments, or worse, for anyone to come between us. I admit it's been a little thrilling sneaking around, but it's also been a nightmare at the same time having to hide our relationship from our friends. But we agreed it would be easier to keep things private for now. Although it's hard making up excuses to your best friend on why you can't attend yet another one of his double dates.
Tris plans to go to the same College as Zeke and I, along with the rest of the gang. She plans to share a dorm room with Christina, her best friend. Of course she still has another year of highschool to get through. But she will, I know it, Tris is the smartest person I know. She could do the SAT'S in her sleep and still pass them with flying colors.
"We should get back," I finally agreed. I sit back watching Tris stand up, first looking for her underwear. I ogle her body, loving the look of her tight ass.
"Would you stop staring at me… and get your clothes on." She says, laughing at me as she throws my pants at my head.
"I can't help it. It's easy to get distracted around you." I stand, reaching for her delicious body that calls to me. But my mind quickly clears from the thought on hand, I watch as Tris' color literally turns a shade of green and her hand flies up to her mouth just as she is about to lose her balance. I catch her just seconds before she falls to the ground.
"Hey, are you okay?" I ask, when she is safely encircled in my arms.
"Yeah, I think so." She admits, just as her color begins to return.
"Are you sick?" I ask. She has been looking a little off today. But I thought it was the stress of the day or something.
"I haven't been feeling well. Mom took me to the doctors on Monday to run some tests. The doctor thinks I'm anemic or something." She answers, only adding to my worries a little more. Although that's nothing life threatening it is something to be dealt with. Tris has always been so healthy and full of life. I hate the thought of her not feeling well.
"Tris. We can lay back down… Rest for a minute," I suggest, but she is fast to deny me. Knowing damn well we need to get back.
"Oh no. Focus. Clothes." She demands.
"Yes, ma'am," I growl. I force my eyes to leave her body and begin to look for my own clothes.
I glance at the dashboard of my car, sighing in relief that it's nearing 2am. With any luck Marcus will be dead asleep and will continue that way past the time I leave with Zeke in a short while. I scrap my face with my hands, wishing that these last two months would go by fast. The faster the better, if that means getting as far away from Marcus as I can. But I also hate the thought of the summer coming to an end. Every day that passes I get closer to going off to College is another day that Tris and I get closer to having the longest separation between us.
Normally the distance would be an issue for a typical relationship. The strain and separation may have one or both of the partners looking for something that they are no longer getting out of the relationship. But that's not our worry, not even a little bit. Not at all. I know I want forever with Tris. She is my forever and my everything. She always has been. Since the moment I met her at my mother's funeral.
She was this awkward, too thin and short little girl. She was quiet in her words, but yet loud in so many other ways. She was also so attuned with everyone around her. So wise beyond her years, it showed. I hated that day, anger at the thought of what had became of my mother, at the same time devastated that she had left me alone to deal with Marcus. I was only nine at the time. I hid under the buffet tables staring off at each pair of shoes that paused and passed me, unaware of the kids hiding behind the table cloth. Tris snuck in next to me, not saying one word as she sat Indian style next to me and wrapped her arms around me. I was both frustrated and grateful at that moment that she was there. I wanted to be alone, to drill in the present, but needing someone to be there, someone that cared. Even though Tris and I just met, she cared. It showed in her heart.
I think that's where this dread for college is coming from. That separation from the one person that knows me and cares for me the most. Having that kind of love and support for so long, I don't know if I can go a year without it.
I finally peel myself out of my car, closing and locking the door behind me. I head into the house. It's no surprise at all that the house is pitch black. Obviously Marcus went to bed a long time ago. For that I'm glad. The less we see each other the better.
I close the door behind me as softly as I can, locking the deadbolt and not even bothering to turn on the light. I make my way into the house. Stepping out of my shoes, I just about jump out of my skin when the lights in the living room turn on. I let out a deep breath, nearly cursing under my breath that I didn't avoid Marcus all together, after all.
"Get in here, boy." My father demands. His voice is filled with anger and impatience. Fuck me. I shut my eyes as tightly as they can go for just a second. Dreading what might come from this encounter with him. The last thing I want right now is to be spending the next few hours cleaning up gashes on my back or worse… being unconscious when Zeke appears to come and get me. Marcus wasn't a fan when I got into the University of Illinois, Chicago. In fact he went on and on for what felt like hours on his disappointment in both my choice and acceptance in the school.
He always spoke about me attending Harvard University and following in his footsteps. I have other plans for my life. For me and Tris' life. Something that I will be damned if he plans for me.
"Good evening, Sir," I greeted him. One thing about Marcus, he loves manners.
"Don't start with me boy. Get in here." He spits out. I walk into the living room a little further with my hands in my pockets and my head spinning, wondering what this could possibly be about.
"Have a seat." He demands, nodding at the oversized chair across from him. I silently make my way, taking my rightful seat. "It has come to my attention that there have been many things going on right under my nose, Tobias." He begins, just about growling when he says my name. "I have arranged for Amar to pack your bags for you and to arrange your transportation. You leave in half an hour." He finishes.
What? Where am I going? What the hell is he talking about?
I glance over at the doorway, seeing Amar appear with two large suitcases that I assume are mine sitting beside him on the floor.
"What are you talking about? Where am I going? I have plans to go sign up for classes later this morning," I remind him.
"Well, I'm afraid you won't be keeping up with that arrangement. Don't worry about the details… All has been taken care of." He says, as if ending this conversation. But he should know damn well I won't fold so easily. Not now when I'm so close to getting everything I ever wanted. Not now that I'm so close to my own freedom. Not now. I will refuse whatever he thinks he planned for me.
"And if I refuse," I say, simply. As if I have a choice. That's when he throws his own cards on the table, or pictures really. Pictures of Tris and I laughing, kissing, hugging, and worst making love in our place. I feel my blood boil, threatening to lose all control.
"Refuse and you will see exactly what I can do." He says, pointing down at the pictures that sit scattered on the marble table. Son of bitch.
"Who do you think you are!" I spit out. Showing him exactly the man he has taught me to be all these years.
"WHO AM I? I am the man that will save your ass from making the biggest mistake of your life and stop you from taking my reputation down with yours," He lashes out. "Really, Tobias, the Prior's daughter." He says, disgusted. "At least have some taste if you are going to be getting your dick wet for no good reason. Other than your own selfishness." I feel my body on the verge of lashing out. Trying everything I can to keep from doing that. It wouldn't be the first time Amar witnessed one of my father's lessons over the years.
"Now listen to me and listen to me good." He gets up, standing over me. "Mark my words, you will do exactly what I say… Or you will live to regret it!"
"And what exactly will I regret?" I ask.
"Take a moment, think about it BOY! If I could so easily view pictures of your precious time with that girl… What makes you think I can't make something happen to her suddenly?" He points out. "Don't think I wont get away with it. I did once, I will again." He threatens. I swallow past the lump in my throat hard, knowing damn well what he is talking about. After all, my mother's death wasn't just an accident. Even if that's what it says on her death certificate. He reminds me of that every time I stepped out of line the past nine years. I bite my tongue, breaking eye contact with him and thinking through all of my options thoroughly.
There have been so many reasons why Tris and I kept us a secret. Marcus, always being one of them. The thought of him finding out about us and using our relationship for his own personal gain in any way, or worse, another life for him to ruin. No doubt he wouldn't think twice about doing that, his words tonight proving that now.
"All you have to do is cut ties with her… Leave tonight and don't come back. I won't touch her, you have my word. But stay… Or remain in touch with her and your mother won't be the only person you lose because of me." He threatens. "You have thirty minutes." With those last words he straightens up and walks out of the room without a glance at either Amar or myself.
My mind is racing, as so many questions and scenarios play out in my mind.
I stay and run away to Zeke's house. I can tell him everything and get help from his mother. Hana always said that she is more than willing to help me. But then something could go wrong, Marcus could get his hands on her or worse finds a way to make another accident happen. Her death, her blood would be on my hands and my hands alone.
I can take her tonight. I can leave with Amar and my suitcase. Refuse to get on the plane and run to get her instead. We can run away together, start over somewhere else. Never to be found again. But she isn't legally an adult yet, I am. Her parents can have me arrested for kidnapping or worse I can place her in danger. Or she will one day turn on me and have regrets because of me.
I'm so fucked.
But I also know Tris. She won't take me just up and leaving well. Shit, I know how stubborn she can be. I wouldn't put it past her to come and look for me, she won't stop until she finds me. She did it before, many years ago when I was going through an alone phase. Tris wouldn't stand for that. Each time I pushed her away, she pushed right back. Standing her ground, making sure I knew she wasn't going anywhere.
I run my hand through my hair, tugging at the ends enough to make it painful. How the fuck did this happen? Weren't we careful? How did he find out? I look down at the pictures again, feeling both sick to my stomach and enraged. Those moments, private moments were just ours. He stole them from us.
"Tobias," Amar whispers, breaking the silence. "I wish there was something I could do… Your father…" He stops. But he doesn't have to say anything. I know how Marcus is.
"I know, Amar," I say, matching his tone.
I stand up, needing to move around the room, pacing as I think things through. I need to end things with Tris. I have to end it, make sure she won't come looking for me or want to. I need to make sure she hates me. Even be disgusted with me. But how….. I know what I have to do. I walk into my father's study, taking a seat at his desk in his over expensive leather chair, I open the drawers looking for the items I so desperately need. Twenty minutes is all I have left to do this.
I finally pull out what I am looking for, a piece of paper, a pen and an envelope. I shut my eyes tightly as possible, trying to think of all the words that would hit her the way it needs to. The way it would hurt her the most. The things I know would have her turn away from me and want to kill myself for even thinking of it.
Dear Tris,
I am sorry for what I am about to tell you. I'm sorry for being the coward that I am. I'm sorry that I didn't think it would be worth the time or effort to tell you this in person.
I have decided to leave Chicago to get on with my life. I want to experience life without ties. To experience what a real woman with all that she has to offer can give me. A woman with great big breasts and curves that I can hold on to. I want something better. A woman I can feel pride to take out in public with.
I'm glad you and I didnt let it get that far.
Thanks for giving me what I wanted. It was easy to get it though. Thought it would have been harder from a girl like you.
It was fun while it lasted though.
As you guessed, I have decided not to attend college in Illinois. I want to leave this pathetic life behind me and move forward.
I do love you Tris, but I have come to terms that I am not in love with you. I don't think anyone could ever be.
Take care.
I know I will,
Tobias
"Times up, Tobias." My father spits out from the entrance of his study with his hands in his pockets. I fold up the letter and slide it into the envelope. I write To: Beatrice Prior on the outside. I seal the envelope feeling my heart break into a million pieces with every move I make. I know this is for the best. At least this way I know she will be safe and happy. Even if that means it's not with me.
I stand from the desk walking past my father and towards the front doors. I hand Amar the sealed envelope, trusting that he will deliver it to her for me.
"I will get it to her, Sir." He says, after looking at the name that is written on the envelope. He tucks it into the inside of his coat pocket, before gathering my suitcases and we both make our way out of the house. Not bothering to glance back at my overly pleased father.
AN
There you have it friends, the first chapter of the new story, A second chance at love.
I hope we haven't kept you waiting for too long.
We will continue to release a new chapter every Tuesday just like before.
Revised by: FDFobsessed
Like always, happy reading everyone, be safe and stay healthy,
Trini
