For those of you reading, apologies for the long wait it has been a busy couple of weeks, I was a little struggling with this chapter but here you go, Four's POV! And to make it up for a long wait, an extra-long chapter. Excited to hear your thoughts.
Chapter 8
Instead of spending the day with her grandmother, as Tris usually did on Wednesdays, she had decided to stay home and tackle her spare bedroom. Tris had bought her Chicago apartment, a unique space in an old factory building that had been transformed into a modern and luxurious living area with a touch of character and plenty of natural light.
Her parents had been against her purchasing the apartment, insisting that she could simply live in their New York brownstone. However, Tris knew that staying with her parents would come with expectations to become a corporate lawyer and constant criticism of her choices. She had saved up a substantial amount of money and, with some help from her grandmother, managed to acquire the place. Tris took immense pride in her apartment, which she had called home for nearly two years, although it was still a work in progress.
She had personally undertaken most of the renovations and enjoyed upcycling furniture to give the space a unique and personalized feel. It made her apartment truly her own. Tris had also added numerous plants to her decor, a touch of nature that Bailey, had a tendency to knock over with his enthusiastic tail. As a result, she had planned a trip to the garden center to replenish her greenery collection.
After Four had spent the night in her spare bedroom, she had realized that it was one of the rooms that had yet to undergo a makeover. Her apartment had retained the industrial charm of its factory origins while embracing modern luxury, but this particular room had yet to receive the attention and care that the rest of her living space had enjoyed.
Tris rolled up her sleeves, determined to transform the neglected room into something as inviting and stylish as the rest of her apartment. As she began the day's project, she couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and independence in her Chicago home, a place where she could be herself and create her own sanctuary.
The sun hung high in the sky, and the clock had barely struck 1 pm. It had been a hectic morning for Four. Thanks to a stroke of luck, the building superintendent had made an early appearance. This unexpected visit granted Four some extra time to get ready before his scheduled studio session.
During a brief respite from his demanding day, he couldn't help but reflect on the previous evening. It all began with a minor annoyance—a key stuck in his door lock. Frustration got the best of him, and in his efforts to remedy the situation, he inadvertently broke the key. Initially, the superintendent assured him of a prompt solution. However, after two hours of waiting, the only person who crossed his path was his neighbor, Tris.
Tris was a puzzle to Four. Her presence seemed to evoke a unique blend of frustration and calmness within him. She might be petite, but Four had quickly learned not to underestimate her, she could be very feisty if she wanted to be. Recalling the events of the previous night brought a genuine smile to his face.
She had patiently endured his outbursts, and part of him wondered if it was merely because of his fame. Yet, there was a nagging feeling that there was more to her kindness.
Four had always been a private individual, even from a young age. His childhood had been marked by the harshness of an abusive father and the abandonment of his mother when he was just seven. She made promises to escape with him, but instead, she left without warning. From that fateful day, Four vowed never to trust anyone.
In middle school, he crossed paths with Zeke, a friend who stood in stark contrast to Four's reserved nature. Zeke was outgoing, jovial, and fun-loving. He made it his mission to befriend Four. They found common ground in their shared love for video games and music. Along with Zeke came his younger brother Uriah, and eventually, their mother, Hana.
Hana was much more than a friend; she was a mother figure to Four. She had soon realized that Four's home life was far from ideal. She welcomed him into her home as if he were her own son, offering the love and support he so desperately needed. Four had always despised his given name; it tethered him to a painful past. Zeke, aware of his true name, began calling him "T" as a nickname. But that still felt too close to the darkness he was running from.
Their friendship deepened when they entered a global Call of Duty competition where the best gamers in the world participated. Four surprised everyone by securing fourth place on his first attempt. Zeke decided four was a cool n new name for his friend, one that had no ties to his past . Four accepted the nickname with gratitude.
In high school, Four and Zeke decided to start a band. Music became Four's sanctuary. He could lose himself for hours while playing the guitar and losing himself in the rhythm of the drums. Zeke, ever the instigator, dared Four to sing a Katy Perry song during a karaoke night. He assumed his friend would embarrass himself, but he was astonished when Four revealed a truly remarkable singing voice. From that moment on, Zeke appointed Four as the lead singer of the band, even though Four was uncomfortable in the spotlight. Singing became an outlet for Four to channel his emotions and find solace.
On his eighteenth birthday, Four decided to leave home, never looking back. In college, they met Will, the perfect addition to their band. With Uriah's inclusion, the band was complete, and they began to gain recognition. Their performances attracted larger audiences, and the momentum was on their side.
As time passed, Four realized that most women were only interested in him for his wealth and fame—things he had never sought. For him, it was all about the music. He did his best to avoid interviews, events, and the relentless scrutiny of the paparazzi.
Now, as Ella approached her fourth birthday and the prospect of starting school, Four had some important decisions to make. He had always been determined to keep Ella hidden from the public eye, and that was one of the reasons he returned to Chicago. His father's relocation to New York City only complicated matters. Four vividly remembered seeing his father in a skybox during a concert in New York, a chilling reminder of the power his father still held over him.
Their band had grown more successful over the years, performing in larger venues and gaining legions of fans. However, fame had taken its toll on Four and his bandmates. They craved a quieter life, away from the relentless whirlwind of concerts and tours. Four's reluctance to tour more frequently and his desire for a calmer lifestyle didn't sit well with the record label. They wanted more shows, more tours, and more events to further boost the band's popularity.
Four's bandmates were in agreement with his desire for a quieter life. Zeke's girlfriend, Shauna, was also expecting a child, and the prospect of family life beckoned to them all. The band had reached a crossroads between fame and personal fulfillment, and they were determined to find a way to balance both.
Four sat in his studio, an oasis of musical instruments, soundproof walls, and soft, dimmed lighting. The room was a high-tech haven, with state-of-the-art recording equipment that gleamed in the subdued ambiance. But at this moment, it might as well have been an alien spaceship. Four's gaze was fixed on a blank sheet of paper, and the weight of the world seemed to bear down on his shoulders.
The music label, with its suffocating rules and relentless deadlines, loomed over his creative sanctuary like an impending storm. They demanded the impossible: an entire album within a mere two months. It was a herculean task for even the most talented artist, and Four was feeling the weight of that challenge like never before.
Amar, his long-time manager and trusted friend, had tirelessly engaged in negotiations with the record label. It wasn't a mere manager-artist relationship; it was a mentorship that ran deep. Amar had believed in Four and Zeke when they were just starry-eyed 16-year-olds with a dream. He had been their guiding force through every peak and valley, more like an older brother than a manager.
But now, Four felt the magnitude of Amar's mentorship. He was thankful for it, but the pressure from the label was relentless. It was like trying to hold back a tsunami with a sandcastle. Four's pen lay abandoned on the desk, and the room, filled with instruments waiting to bring melodies to life, now felt like a suffocating cage.
In search of solace, he reached into his bag and found a small, foil-wrapped piece of chocolate pie. It was a sweet gift from his neighbor, Tris, a woman who had piqued his curiosity like no other. Just the thought of her brought forth a whirlwind of emotions – cute, adorable, and fierce, all wrapped up in one captivating personality. There was something about her that drew him in, something that made her presence in his life more intriguing with every passing day.
Their initial encounter had been a puzzle in itself. Four was convinced that she recognized him, but as time passed, her ignorance about his identity seemed genuine. Tris was an intriguing mystery he couldn't quite decipher. She was friendly, caring, and had an aura that was both comforting and magnetic.
Ella, his three-year-old daughter, had taken a liking to Tris almost instantly, a connection that fascinated Four even more. It was as if Tris had effortlessly bridged the gap between him and his daughter, something he hadn't expected from anyone. And her laughter, like a delicate melody, had a way of easing the weight on his shoulders, if only for a brief moment.
As he was lost in his thoughts about Tris and the upcoming party, Amar's voice abruptly yanked him back to reality. "Are you prepared for tonight?"
Four blinked, momentarily disoriented. "Tonight? You mean my Disney movie night with Ella, right?"
Amar shook his head, a hint of exasperation in his eyes. "No, dude. I'm talking about the party at the record label. I mentioned it to you."
Guilt washed over Four for having forgotten about the event. He wasn't particularly enthusiastic about attending. Parties were not his scene, and the record label's relentless insistence on more tours and events had left him drained and longing for solitude.
Amar's gaze bore into him, unwavering. "I know you don't want to go, and frankly, I'm not thrilled either. But this party is for you guys, and you can't afford to skip it. Plus, if you manage to make a positive impression with the right people, they might be more willing to grant you some well-deserved time off."
Four weighed the pros and cons in his mind. He had no desire to attend the party, but the prospect of a break from the never-ending music-making grind was tempting. His contract with the record label had begun to feel like a golden cage, and if attending the party could provide the key to unlock it, it might just be worth it. With a reluctant nod, he conceded, "Alright, I'll go."
Then, a wave of realization crashed over him. "But, Amar, I don't have a babysitter for Ella."
Amar, an amused twinkle in his eye, leaned in. "I've got that covered, my forgetful friend. I knew you'd overlook the babysitter. She'll be at your place at 5, giving you plenty of time to pick up Ella, bring her home, and make your grand entrance at the record label party."
Four couldn't help but laugh, genuinely grateful for his friend's foresight. "You're a lifesaver, Amar. What would I do without you?" Amar just grinned and patted him on the back, leaving Four to grapple with the creative demons that loomed over him.
When Four returned home after picking up Ella from her grandma's, she was bubbling with excitement, ready to share her adventures at grandma's house. "Daddy, Grandma and I picked out a new bed blankie for when I stay over!" she beamed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Her stories poured out like a torrent, and Four listened intently, savoring every word. "Oh, really? What kind of blankie did you pick, sweetheart?"
Ella described it, her eyes shining with pride, "A wainbow one, Daddy! It's really, really pretty!"
Four, holding Ella's tiny hand, unlocked the front door. The lock had been recently fixed, and he had a spare set of keys, making coming home more convenient. They took off their shoes, and Four helped Ella out of her coat. She was determined to do it herself, but her little hands struggled with the task. At just three years old, she displayed a level of determination and self-reliance that never ceased to amuse and warm Four's heart.
He sat her on a stool at the kitchen island and prepared a drink, some fruits, and a few crackers. The apartment was a mixture of modern and chaotic. Moving boxes were scattered in the corners, evidence of the recent transition. Some of Ella's toys were scattered across the living room, adding a touch of color and playful disorder to the otherwise sleek and modern surroundings.
"Hey, baby, what do you want for dinner tonight? Mac and cheese or spaghetti with red sauce?" Four inquired, though he already had a strong inkling of her preference.
Ella appeared to ponder the options, her brow furrowed in contemplation, as if she were making a monumental decision. However, Four knew her well enough to anticipate her choice. "Mac and zeees, Daddy, with lots of zeeeese!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with anticipation.
With a warm smile, Four affirmed, "Alright, sweetie, mac and cheese it is, with extra cheese." The sense of contentment was mutual; Ella relished the cheesy treat, and Four cherished the father-daughter moments they shared over dinner.
However, as they finished their meal, the clock had advanced to 5:15, and the babysitter was conspicuously absent. Four had the nanny agency's phone number, but no one answered his calls. Frustration began to well up within him, further fueling his reluctance to attend the party. Yet, the demands of his music label left him with little choice.
The thought of bringing Ella to the event crossed his mind, but he swiftly dismissed it. He didn't want the press to find out about his daughter being there. Hana, a trusted friend, was unavailable; she had a date, her first since the loss of her late husband, and Four didn't want to interrupt her evening. This left him with only one option: Tris.
Despite their previous disagreements and Four's less-than-ideal behavior toward her, he had no other recourse. He found himself standing outside Tris's door, knocking and hoping she was home. Fortune was on his side; he heard footsteps approaching and the door being unlocked.
Tris greeted him with a friendly smile, dressed in tight leggings and a sports bra. Four couldn't stop his eyes roaming her body, he regained his composure when he heard her voice. "hey, what's up? "he smiled guiltily, meeting her gaze. "I'm so sorry, I have a favor to ask, and I wouldn't ask if I had another choice. My babysitter didn't show up, and I have a work event that I can't cancel."
He launched into a rapid explanation, nervous and apologetic. "Could you maybe please watch Ella for a few hours? I'll try to be home before 9 pm if I can manage to slip away. If not, it's no problem, I—"
Tris interrupted his rambling with a reassuring smile. "It's completely fine! I'm free. I was just doing some yoga. I'll get changed, and then she can come over here, or I can go over there. Whichever's easier for you."
Four's gratitude shone in his grateful smile. "You're truly the best, Tris. You can come to my place if you'd prefer. There's some mac and cheese left over if you want it later. I assume you haven't had dinner yet. It's not as good as your cooking, but it's something."
Tris returned his smile and proposed, "I do need to walk Bailey. Maybe Ella would like to join?"
Four's face lit up with approval. "Yes, for sure. She'd be delighted. I can give you my key, and Bailey can come to my apartment too. I'm sure Ella would enjoy that."
Tris quickly changed into more suitable attire, and Four informed Ella about Tris coming over. Ella couldn't contain her excitement, thrilled at the prospect of having two new friends join her. When Tris knocked on Four's door, she had donned jeans and a slim-fit tee shirt. Even in casual attire, she looked beautiful to him, and Four couldn't help but admire her. Her eyes wandered over the guitars adorning the wall and the platinum album plaque that marked his first major success.
"Are you a songwriter or something?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Four responded with a smile, "Yes, something like that."
Tris offered a simple yet genuine compliment, saying, "That's awesome." Four was somewhat surprised that she didn't ask more probing questions, content with his vague answer.
Ella ran down the hallway to greet Tris with joy. Four handed his phone to Tris, adding his contact information. He stressed, "Please let me know if anything goes wrong, anything at all. Help yourself to anything you need." He then offered a quick tour of the apartment, explaining Ella's bedtime routine, and gave his daughter a tender kiss on the forehead. As he left for the party, he waved at Tris, a sense of gratitude in his eyes, thankful that she was helping him out in this time of need.
The party at the record label was in full swing. The room was adorned with extravagant decorations, sparkling with the glow of crystal chandeliers and shimmering drapes. It was a display of extravagance, a stark contrast to Four's preference for simplicity. People in sleek suits and elegant dresses chatted animatedly, while servers weaved through the crowd, offering trays of exquisite hors d'oeuvres and glasses of champagne.
Despite the impressiveness of the party, Four felt like a fish out of water. He couldn't help but feel that most people here wanted something from him, whether it was a favor, a collaboration, or simply to bask in his fame. He forced himself to wear a polite smile, to maintain a façade of sociability.
Zeke, Uriah, and Will, his bandmates, were with him at the party. Zeke was a social butterfly, naturally at ease in such situations, but Four was the complete opposite. While Zeke mingled effortlessly, Four's eyes darted around, searching for familiar faces and, most importantly, for a message from Tris.
Throughout the evening, Four surreptitiously checked his phone, hoping for a message from Tris. He was eager to hear how Ella was doing, but he also secretly wished for an excuse to escape the party.
With the party in full swing, Four decided to make his move. He spotted Mr. Harrison, the CEO of the record label, deep in conversation with Jeanine Matthews, the powerhouse responsible for handling his contract. Four knew that winning their favor was vital to maintaining some control in an industry that often treated artists like commodities.
Approaching the duo, he greeted them with a warm smile, even though the weight of his unfulfilled fatherly duties and the insincere niceties of the party were heavy on his shoulders. "Mr. Harrison, Jeanine, it's always a pleasure to see you both."
Mr. Harrison, a charismatic man in his fifties, extended a hand. "Four, it's great to have you here. We appreciate your dedication to the label."
Four shook Mr. Harrison's hand firmly, all the while feeling as if he were performing for an audience. "Thank you. It's an honor to be part of the family."
Jeanine, a formidable figure in her forties with sharp eyes, cut to the chase. "Four, we're pleased with your recent work, but we think it's time to explore more TV interviews. It's a great way to keep your fans engaged and attract new ones."
Four had been anticipating this conversation and had prepared a gentle refusal. "I understand the value of interviews, Jeanie, and I'm not opposed to them. However, I believe that quality matters as much as quantity. I want to ensure that every interaction with our audience is genuine."
Mr. Harrison nodded, acknowledging Four's input. "We value your perspective, Four, but keep in mind that we need to stay competitive in this industry."
Four responded respectfully, "I completely understand that, Mr. Harrison. I'm just advocating for a balance between staying visible and maintaining authenticity. I believe that's the key to longevity in this business."
Jeanie eyed him thoughtfully, and Four could see that his stance had made an impression. "We'll take your input into consideration, Four. Let's continue this conversation in the coming days."
With the discussion wrapped up, Four excused himself from the CEO and Jeanie. As he wandered through the party once more, he couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment from the industry. The music label was pushing for more interviews, more events, more visibility, but Four longed for a return to the essence of music—the connection with the audience and the freedom to create authentically.
Amar, who had been keeping an eye on Four, approached him with a sympathetic smile. "You're doing well, Four. These events are part of the game, but they'll also open doors for us. Just hang in there a little longer."
Four nodded, grateful for Amar's unwavering support. He understood the necessity of these events, even if they felt like a performance. With Amar's encouragement, he continued to engage with the people around him, albeit with a heavy heart
.The night wore on, and Four found himself growing increasingly weary of the glamorous facade that adorned the party. The food was overpriced and didn't suit his taste, and the overall extravagance seemed a stark contrast to the authenticity he longed for.
He managed to find an excuse to leave a little after 9, his heart filled with anticipation to rush home and have a strong the party began to wind down, Four discreetly slipped out of the venue, leaving the opulent world of the music industry behind. He had played the role expected of him, but the artificiality of it all left a bitter taste in his mouth. The prospect of returning to the comfort of his apartment, and perhaps a drink to wash away the evening's residue, was a beacon of solace.
As Four made his way home, he longed for a strong drink to wash away the strange taste left by the fancy party. He was eager to relax and be himself, far from the glitz and glamour.
When he entered his apartment, he briefly panicked as he couldn't find Ella and Tris. He worried he hadn't been clear about where they would be. Had something gone wrong?
His anxiety melted away when he heard a soft, comforting snores coming from Ella's room. Curiosity guided him toward the sound, dispelling his unease with every step.
In Ella's room, Four discovered a heartwarming scene. Ella and Tris lay snuggled together in her bed, bathed in the gentle glow of a nightlight. Tris held Ella's favorite storybook and was sound asleep just as Ella was. Bailey, the loyal dog, nestled against Ella, sharing the warmth of their embrace.
This moment felt real and precious, unlike the artificial world of the party. Four stood in the doorway, filled with gratitude for the genuine bond he saw. The stress of the evening vanished, replaced by the pure joy of witnessing this precious moment, it brought feelings out of him, that he didn't know he had.
He quietly approached Tris, gently waking her from her peaceful slumber. Tris stirred and apologized, "I'm so sorry, Four. I must have drifted off."
Four reassured her with a warm smile, "No need to apologize. It looks like you and Ella had quite the cozy time."
Together, they left Ella to her dreams, venturing into the living room. Before he left the room, Four quietly tiptoed back to Ella. She lay in her bed, her chest rising and falling with the rhythm of deep slumber.
Gently, he bent down and planted a loving kiss on her forehead, whispering, "Goodnight, my little bug." He reached for the nightlight, its glow fading into darkness as he turned it off.
As Four joined Tris in the living room, he asked, "How was it?"
Tris, her smile warm, replied, "She's an angel, Four, truly. We had a lot of fun."
A chuckle escaped Four as he reached for a bottle of whiskey. "I'm surprised she's asleep. Thought she'd be too excited, wanting to stay up all night and play."
Tris chuckled in response, her eyes following the whiskey bottle. "I think Bailey tired her out. She wanted to keep up with his pace, but her tiny legs are no match for Bailey's long, strong four legs."
As he poured a glass, Four chuckled at tris her story and turned to Tris. "Would you like anything to drink?"
Tris glanced at the bottle , nodded to four and also watched as four heated up some of his homemade mac and cheese, extending the offer to Tris. She declined, then inquired, "Rough night?"
Four nodded, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, I'm not really the social butterfly, so I'm not too keen on these events, but they need to be done."
Tris nodded, understanding his sentiments. "Yeah, I know what you mean."
The conversation flowed as they enjoyed some small talk, and Four found himself unwinding, his tension easing as he spoke with Tris. He even found himself cracking a few jokes, a rare sight for those who knew him well.
As the night neared almost midnight , Tris realized she had an early morning ahead and should leave. Four turned to her, expressing his gratitude. "Tris, really, thank you for helping me out. You're a lifesaver. If there's anything I can do for you, just let me know, okay?" He looked at her sincerely, his appreciation evident.
Tris felt his sincerity and replied, "Really, Four, it was my pleasure. If another time you need someone to look after her, just let me know, okay? And if you could help me out with Bailey sometimes, that would be great. My work hours can be brutal, and I don't always have time to take him for a quick walk during lunch. Rose, who usually does it for me, is getting too old for Bailey."
Four grinned at the thought. "I'm sure Ella would love that. I think you'd be doing me more of a favor."
Tris chuckled and readily gave him her number. As she quietly retrieved Bailey from Ella's room, Four had a fleeting urge to hug her, but he held back and simply smiled, giving Bailey a friendly pat as they left. As he closed the door, a thought crossed his mind. He was happy to have Tris as his neighbor, and perhaps opening up to someone like her might not be as bad as he had always thought.