Chapter five

Wednesdays held a special place in Tris's heart. They weren't just another day of the week; they were her sanctuary, her time to escape from the complexities of her childhood and bask in the warmth of her grandmother's love. Tris and her grandmother had a unique bond, one that was rooted in their shared belief that life should be filled with joy, not just reserved for the weekends. Her grandma always said, "Why wait for the weekend to have fun?"

Tris's childhood was, unfortunately, a far cry from this ideal. She spent most of her days inside her parents' house, all by herself. While her parents, Andrew and Natalie, provided for her material needs, Tris yearned for something more profound—a deeper connection, a sense of being truly seen, understood and cared for.

It was her grandmother, Elizabeth, who noticed the loneliness that gnawed at Tris's heart. Elizabeth's intuition told her that her granddaughter needed more than just material comforts; she needed emotional nurturing. So, she made a choice that would change both of their lives. Elizabeth decided to step in and become the emotional anchor that Tris had been missing.

Andrew and Natalie initially had reservations about Elizabeth's involvement, but they soon recognized its practicality. It allowed them to focus on their work and personal lives while knowing that Tris was in loving and capable hands. For Tris, her grandmother's presence was a source of solace and comfort—a refuge amidst the turbulence of her family's dynamics.

Within her family, Tris faced the painful reality of being the less-favored child. Her older brother, Caleb, seemed to effortlessly occupy the top spot in their parents' hearts. Andrew and Natalie adored Caleb, and their praise seemed to know no bounds. Tris, on the other hand, often felt like an outsider, a mere spectator in the grand play of her family's dynamics.

Caleb, fully aware of his favored status, sometimes used it to his advantage. He rarely faced the consequences of his actions, and when things went awry, he had a knack for redirecting blame onto Tris. What was even more frustrating for Tris was her parents' inconsistent involvement. When she sought their help in moments of injustice, they often remained neutral observers, unwilling to intervene. However, when the roles were reversed, and Tris was perceived as the wrongdoer, they would swiftly step in, demanding that she make amends. This double standard only served to deepen Tris's sense of isolation within her own family.

In the midst of these challenging dynamics, Elizabeth stood as a pillar of support. She was more than just a grandmother; she was a confidante, a sympathetic ear, and a source of unwavering love and understanding. Elizabeth was the one person who truly comprehended Tris in a family where she often felt like an enigma.

As time passed, the bond between Tris and her grandmother continued to grow stronger. They shared a weekly tradition of Wednesday adventures, committing to this special day regardless of life's demands. These Wednesdays became a constant source of joy, a safe harbor in the stormy seas of Tris's family life.

In the realm of work, Tris enjoyed a unique arrangement that allowed her to dedicate her mornings to her job, with Wednesdays as her primary workday. This specific Wednesday held a particular allure, as it entailed a two-hour drive to her grandmother's lake house. It promised a full day of uninterrupted bonding and relaxation—a day she had been eagerly anticipating.

But as fate would have it, this Wednesday proved to be different from the rest. Tris's beloved classic Ford Bronco, a symbol of her cherished memories with her grandmother, refused to start. Classic cars like hers came with their quirks, chief among them being the challenge of finding rare replacement parts. Compounding the issue was the fact that her trusted mechanic happened to be located near her grandmother's lake house, making towing the only viable option.

Frustration and disappointment washed over Tris as she grappled with this unexpected setback. She felt helpless and exasperated, wondering why things always seemed to take an unexpected turn. In her moment of despair, she reached out to her grandmother for support and guidance.

Elizabeth, always attuned to her granddaughter's emotional needs, not only provided solace but also offered a practical solution. She suggested that Tris accompany the tow truck to the lake house, bringing along Bailey. Additionally, Elizabeth proposed that Tris work remotely from the tranquil lakeside retreat on Thursday, effectively turning what initially appeared to be a challenging situation into an opportunity for rest and even more quality time together.

While awaiting the arrival of the tow truck, which was scheduled for 1 pm, Tris had several hours to spare. She decided to use this time to call friend Tori and explain the situation to her and ask if there was any possibility to work remote the next day. Tori understood the stress and tension that Tris was under. Tori insisted that Tris should take not only thursday off but also extend her break to include Friday, recognizing that Tris desperately needed a break. Tori's words were filled with empathy and care, as she understood the toll that work and family dynamics had taken on her friend.

Tris found herself torn between the desire for rest and the looming responsibilities of her workload. She knew that taking additional time off would likely result in a backlog of tasks and added pressure in the coming week. Nevertheless, she recognized the importance of self-care and the need to escape the relentless demands of her job and family life.

In the end, Tris chose to compromise. She agreed to take Thursday off to relax and spend quality time with her grandmother, a choice that reflected her deep appreciation for the moments they shared. Simultaneously, she decided to work remoteley on Friday, driven by her determination to maintain a sense of control over her responsibilities and avoid being overwhelmed in the following week.

As Tris and Bailey embarked on a leisurely stroll through the park while awaiting the tow truck, they found solace in the tranquility that surrounded them. The park was nearly empty, a haven of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. She enjoyed it at times like this, when all the kids were at school, everybody at work and barely any people around. Bailey could run around free and no one would complain.

While Tris leisurely roamed the park, savoring the fresh air and the serenity it offered, she noticed Bailey's sudden excitement. Her loyal furry companion had darted off toward a small child engrossed in play within the sandbox at the park's playground. Bailey's boundless enthusiasm for people digging in the sand often led him to seek out kindred spirits. In these moments, he occasionally became a bit too exuberant, yearning to partake in their sandcastle adventures. Tris, ever vigilant, quickly realized the need to intercept him before he unwittingly disrupted the peaceful play of an innocent child.

Without a moment's hesitation, she sprang into action, sprinting after Bailey and calling his name to grab his attention. Her goal was clear: reach Bailey before he unintentionally startled the young sandbox explorer.

With agile steps and a melodic call, she managed to halt Bailey just in the nick of time, right in front of the surprised child. The child looked up, her eyes reflecting a mix of astonishment and curiosity. To Tris's delight, she recognized the child as Ella, a familiar face from her local supermarket. Ella's face lit up with an infectious grin as she exclaimed, "Puppy!"

Tris reciprocated the warmth of Ella's greeting with a friendly smile and a question. "Hi, Ella, isn't it? I'm Tris, from the supermarket. Do you remember me?" Tris briefly scanned the immediate surroundings to ensure there were no lurking guardians nearby. "Are you here all by yourself?"

Ella, still somewhat unsure about approaching Bailey, turned her gaze toward Tris. She nodded with a radiant smile and leaned in, though her attempt at a whisper was far from subtle. "Yes, Tris! But shh, don't let my dad know I'm talking to you. Uncle Zeze says he'd be really mad if he found out I'd run off."

Tris couldn't help but share a playful moment with Ella. She mimed locking her lips and humorously discarded an imaginary key, signaling their shared secret. "Our little secret," Tris whispered with a wink, sparking a delighted giggle from Ella.

Ella seemed delighted with their secret exchange and tried her best to mimic the playful gesture. She stood there, a bundle of nerves and excitement, before finally gathering the courage to ask, "Can I pet him?"

"Absolutely! Bailey's very friendly, and I even have his ball if you'd like to play with him," Tris eagerly offered.

Ella embraced Bailey gently, and their newfound friendship quickly blossomed into playfulness. In the blink of an eye, they were running around together, creating an instant bond.

However, the harmonious moment was suddenly disrupted by a commanding voice. "ELLA, what on earth are you doing? I told you to stay within my line of sight. I thought you were playing in the sand. You know you're not supposed to talk to strangers!"

Startled, Tris turned to locate the source of the voice. Her eyes fell upon a bench nearby, where a book lay open. It was clear that Ella's father had been seated there, keeping a watchful eye on her activities. As she focused on him, she couldn't help but notice his familiar appearance: the black sunglasses, the strong jawline, and the scruffy facial hair. The only difference was that instead of a black beanie, he now wore a black cap.

Tris and Four had recently started running together in the mornings, sharing companionable silences during their jogs. They hadn't divulged much about their personal lives, making this encounter all the more surprising. Tris had been unaware that he had a daughter.

With an apologetic smile, Tris approached Four, hoping to explain herself. "Hi, I'm sorry about that. Bailey darted off, and I wanted to make sure he didn't accidentally bump into her. I didn't realize you were her dad or even that she was your daughter."

Ella, still petting Bailey, beamed at her dad, eager to introduce her new friends. "Yes, Dad, this is Bailey, my new friend, and Tris! Tris has a dog too."

Four, who appeared guarded and cautious, clearly held a protective instinct toward his daughter. He wasn't comfortable with strangers knowing about her. His response to Tris was terse and defensive. "I don't need to tell you anything," he retorted sharply.

Tris nodded understandingly and concurred, "You're absolutely right. You don't." Realizing that she might have overstepped her boundaries, she added, "I'm sorry for intruding."

Ella, who didn't want their interaction to end, protested, "No, don't go, Tris! I haven't played with Bailey's ball yet. Dad," she said while tugging on his hand, "can Tris stay, please? She's really nice, I promise."

Four, who couldn't resist his daughter's heartfelt plea, relented with a warm smile. "Of course, sweetheart, anything for you."

As Ella and Bailey continued their delightful play, Four gestured to Tris, inviting her to join him on the bench.

"I apologize," he began, "I'm just overly protective of her."

Tris nodded sympathetically, her understanding apparent. "That's okay; I completely understand. I may have overstepped." She couldn't help but add, "She's adorable, though."

Four offered a soft smile, his guard momentarily down. "Yes, she certainly is."

As Ella and Bailey continued their playful antics, Tris and Four found themselves engaged in a light-hearted conversation, taking a break from their roles as caretakers.

Tris, with a warm smile, turned to Four and asked, "So, Four, what do you and Ella usually enjoy doing together when you're not at the park?"

Four, taking a moment to reflect, replied, "Well, we used to live in New York City, surrounded by the concrete jungle. But since we moved here, we've discovered a newfound love for nature. We enjoy hiking and exploring the beauty of the outdoors. It's a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of city life."

Tris nodded in understanding, appreciating the contrast between their past and present. "Nature has a way of offering solace and a sense of peace," she remarked. "It's like a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively."

As they chatted further, Tris couldn't help but share her own story. "Actually," she began, "I was supposed to go to the lake house of my grandmother today, but my car broke down on the way here. That's a bummer," she added with a smile.

Just then, Bailey and Ella got into a funny position, their playful antics too adorable to resist. Tris took out her phone, intending to capture the moment. However, as she aimed her phone at the giggling duo, Four's expression changed dramatically. His face contorted with anger, his voice rising to a furious tone.

"No!" he shouted, his anger almost shocking in its intensity. "Absolutely not! You delete that photo right now!"

Tris was taken aback by his outburst, quickly deleting the picture without hesitation. She could see the protective fire in Four's eyes as he glared at her, making it clear that Ella's privacy was non-negotiable.

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Tris quickly apologized, realizing that she had unwittingly crossed a boundary. She meant no harm, " I'm so sorry. "

However, Four remained silent, his stern expression unwavering. Without a word, he took Ella by the hand and swiftly left the park. Tris watched them go, completely puzzled by his reaction. She had only wanted to capture a joyful moment, but it had led to an unexpected and intense encounter.