Tris's POV:
It has been a week since I've learned that my life is not what it seemed to be. A week since I've been on this crazy rollercoaster of ups and downs. But also extreme turns, because this is something that I never thought would happen. Not in my wildest dreams.
Tobias has been amazing. He gives me space while also being there for me when I need him. And I like living with him. I like the place we've built together. Sometimes I catch myself thinking about how I ended up in this situation. How did I find him, out of all the people in this world? It's crazy to think.
The way he comforts me and makes me feel safe alone is beyond my comprehension. I was so sad after my appointment the other day, I didn't think anything could make me feel better. But he took me to his old place, and I felt hopeful. Just like Tobias said, I'm taking it one step at a time. It's not easy, but I'm glad I have him with me.
This morning I decided to make us a special breakfast. An Italian omelette with a side of buttered toast. I forgot how much I really enjoyed cooking, and I missed it when I was still recovering after the accident. I also really love the kitchen here, the kitchen I built, in our house.
"Should I add the cheese now?" Tobias asks from beside me.
"Not yet. We have to let it cook further." I say, an amused smile on my face at his impatience.
"I'm so hungry. And that looks delicious." He huffs.
"Have I made it ever before?" I ask him.
"No, I think this is the first time." He says. "Can I add the cheese now?"
"Okay, go ahead." I laugh. He quickly grates the entire cube into the pan, grinning excitedly. "I think that's enough, Tobias!"
"There's no such thing as enough cheese, baby." He tickles my side, making me giggle.
"It's almost done now." I bring two plates and divide the thick omelette into two portions, serving it with the toast.
We carry our plates to the table and settle down. Tobias immediately picks up a knife and fork, attacking his food. He takes the first bite, a small moan escaping his lips. It makes me blush.
"Damn, that's so good, Tris." He mumbles with his mouth full.
"Slow down, Tobias!" I laugh.
"Ugh, I've missed your cooking so much. I've been living on cereal and takeout meals all these days." He says. Thinking about that makes me sad, but I try to act normal. "Hey, it's okay." He takes my hand, immediately picking up on my discomfort.
"Yeah." I whisper.
"Look at me." He demands, and my eyes snap up to his.
"What happened was out of anyone's control, Tris. Promise me you won't blame yourself." He looks me straight in the eyes.
"Okay." I sigh. "I'll try."
"Good." He smiles a little.
"So, it's 10 am already. Don't you have to go to work?" I ask him.
"No, I'll take another leave." He says, sipping his coffee.
"But you missed all of last week, too. You should go back today, Tobias." I tell him.
"But I don't want to leave you." He squeezes my hand.
"Actually, I'm thinking of going to the bakery myself." I say around a bite.
"Didn't Tori tell you that you could take as many days as you wanted? You really wanna go?" He asks.
"Yeah, I think it'll be good for me." I nod.
"Okay, let's get ready then I'll drop you off."
We finish with our food, going up to shower. He lets me have the bathroom first, and I quickly clean myself. Unlike last time, this time I left the door unlocked. I don't know why but I feel safer. And I know I can trust him.
I think back to a few days ago when I caught him walking out of the shower. The bulge under his towel is still clear in my memory. And to think he had that because of me. I still don't understand what he sees in me, but I can't deny that I like it. A lot. And apparently he does, too. That I have no doubts about.
Finishing off, I step out of the shower and wrap a towel around my body. I hope he isn't in the bedroom. I just need to pass through it to get to the closet. But why am I so nervous? It's not like he hasn't seen me naked. And from the way he talks, he's seen every inch of my body. I need to let the awkwardness and anxiety go.
Slowly opening the door, I find him sitting on the bed. I walk out wrapped in the small towel, it shows almost all of my legs. Tobias smiles at me, his eyes going down my body but quickly meeting mine. He sits up straighter.
"I finished cleaning the kitchen." He says. "I thought I'd wait here. I can step out if-"
"No, it's fine. You can go inside, I just need to get dressed." I start toward the door of the closet.
He nods and stands up, walking over. Just as I'm about to leave his sight, he grabs my wrist lightly. "Tris?"
"Yes?" I turn around to look at him.
"You're beautiful." He whispers, an honest smile on his lips.
The words carry all the way through me, and I stand there frozen. He really means what he said. Without thinking, I walk to him and lean up on my toes, kissing him. His hands cradle my face gently as he kisses me back, leaning down into me. Slowly they move to hold me around my waist, bringing me closer to him. I realise that I'm still naked, barely covered by the towel, and I pull away.
His breath falls on my face as he smiles, and I can't help but feel strong affection towards him. It's the same unexplainable feeling I've been having for a while. We part ways and I finally get dressed, picking a white top and a deep red skirt along with thin tights. It's still cold outside so I grab a jacket.
My hair is all tangled up from sleeping, and I comb through it twice. Then I pull it back into a half ponytail, keeping it out of my face. As I'm putting the comb away, my eye catches a small piece of paper tucked under a box of hair-ties. I pick up the paper, realising it's a sticky note. Folding it open, I see my handwriting on the inside.
Hey baby,
I hope you got some good sleep. You look too cute in bed and I wish I was still snuggled up with you. But I'm heading to the farmers market, gotta get the good stuff before it's all gone. And yes, I'll get you the strawberries. Call me when you wake up. I love you.
Your Tris
I don't know when it's from, but it looks recent. I read it again, and a warm feeling goes through me. I hear Tobias come into the room, fully dressed in a pair of grey trousers and a black shirt. He looks so good. Noticing the note in my hand, he smiles a little.
"That was several months ago. When you woke up early on a Sunday morning." He says, knowing exactly what I'm holding.
"Did I leave you a lot of notes?" I ask.
"Some, not many. You used to leave them on my pillow or on the bathroom mirror. I think there's more in here." He rummages through the vanity's drawer and pulls out a bunch of notes, all stuck together. "A few of them are from me, too." He says, smiling as he hands them to me. Then he turns away to put his shoes on while I read. Most of them are like the first one, but there's one that is different.
Hey,
I have to go back to work, I really wish I didn't. I wish I was still wrapped up in your arms. But I'm hoping to pick up right where we left off when I get back. I love you so much baby
Your Tris
My cheeks blush a new shade of red, and I bite my lip. Tobias comes up behind me and grins looking at the note, his eyes shining in the morning light.
"This one is when we took a lunch break from work. We came home and..." He trails off, still grinning.
"It feels weird reading my own handwriting but not remembering the words I wrote." I whisper, still blushing.
"I bet it does." He says, putting on a jacket as he finishes getting ready.
"Ready to go?" I ask, grabbing my stuff.
"Yeah." He sighs, a sad look in his eyes.
"You okay?"
"Yes, it's just...the last time we left our home together for work, you, uh, the accident." He stutters.
"Oh." I stare at him. "I promise my best to stay out of any accidents on the road." I try to joke.
"I'm holding you to that." He chuckles nervously.
"But seriously, Tobias. I'll be safe, and I'm gonna be driving with you. It'll be alright." He nods and leads me downstairs, locking everything up and then heading out.
It's a short drive, and my eyes follow the rows of trees with their empty branches till he stops in front of the bakery. By now, his breathing is hard and his hands are shaky. I immediately grab them, rubbing my own palms on his to calm him.
"Hey, it's okay." I whisper.
"This was the last time we saw each other before everything...and then I got that call." His breaths are shallow.
"Nothing's gonna happen to me again, Tobias. I'm gonna be right inside till you come to get me in the evening. Okay?" I hold his gaze.
"I'll keep calling you throughout the day. I won't rest till I've heard your voice." He cups my face, pulling me closer.
"I won't mind. Is there anything I could do to stop your worrying?" I ask, still rubbing my fingers over his hand.
"No, unless we both stay locked at home forever." He leans his forehead on mine.
"That's ideal." I laugh.
Tobias presses his lips to mine, and we spend the next few minutes just kissing. He feels so good against me. But we eventually pull back, and the dreaded moment comes when we have to part ways. I try to smile at him from outside, but he's still panicking. He whispers something to himself before finally driving away.
Inside, Tori looks surprised to see me, but she's got a smile on her face nonetheless. "Tris! You're back! I thought you'd take more time off!"
"No, I couldn't sit still at home." I tell her.
"Are you okay? You know, after getting to know everything?" She asks, worried.
"Yeah, I think so. It's not the best situation to be in, but I've got some good support. Also, thanks for helping with everything. It must have been hard to pretend all the time around me."
"Don't worry about it, Tris. You're like a little sister to me. And when Natalie called, I was so worried about you. I'm glad I could be of any help." Tori smiles.
"Thanks again. So, what do I do?" I ask her.
"You've been managing the team this past year alongside me. And you have gotten really good, too. But as you don't remember that, you could stick with me and I'll show you everything that's changed?" She asks.
"Sure!" I nod my head excitedly.
I work with Tori and she tells me new, or rather old stories about me from around here. She soon leaves to go back and look over a big wedding order while I watch the register. My phone rings for the second time in an hour.
"Hey," I say.
"How are you?" He asks.
"I'm good, just like in the last forty minutes." I respond.
"Ugh, I'm such an idiot. But I can't stop myself, Tris. I just want you to be okay." He sighs, and I can hear the worry in his voice.
"I know. I can't understand what you're going through, but I can assure you that I'm fine. More than fine." I tell him.
"Okay, I believe you, baby. And I should let you get back to work now. I'll see you around 5?" He asks.
"Yes, I'll be here waiting. Bye." We hang up and I let out a sigh. I wish he wouldn't stress so much.
Hours pass and I continue working, convincing Tori to let me bake. She agrees and I learn a new recipe, chocolate pudding cake. It is the perfect combination of a cake and pudding, and it literally melts in my mouth. I bake them in circular moulds, making a few extra ones for Tobias.
"Hey, Tris. Could you get the box of chocolate chips from outside? It just arrived from the shipping company, it's out back." Amy asks me, her hands covered in flour to prepare a dough.
"Sure." I say and walk out the back door.
I find the chocolate chips among the various ingredients in a trolley, and I pick up the box. Just as I'm going back in, I hear a noise, and I quickly turn around to see who's out here. I don't see anyone at first, but then a man comes in my view. And I recognise his face, it's the same person who was following me last week. My husband's father.
"Marcus." I stare at him.
"So you know who I am." He states, his voice grating on my nerves.
"Yes, I do."
"Seems like Tobias finally told you about me. You didn't recognise me the other day." He stares at me in a way that immediately makes me uncomfortable.
"What do you want?" I ask him instead.
"I have come to warn you, Beatrice." He almost spits out my name.
"Warn me about what?" I raise my eyebrow.
"Warn you to stay away from Tobias. He is not who he claims to be. He's just pretending to be nice to you." Marcus says, a smirk on his face. I'm surprised how evil his eyes look, the same shade as Tobias's, but nothing like him.
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"I'm saying that he's using you. He's with you just for your body. He doesn't love you, he never has. All he does is lie to you. And you poor girl, you forgot everything that happened between you two. And now he's using this chance to manipulate you again. He's playing with you."
I don't know if I want to laugh at his words or yell at him for feeding me lies. I decide that I don't want to waste any energy on him, so I turn to walk away.
"You don't know him like I do." Marcus keeps talking. "He enjoys this. He likes to see people hurt. He is my son, after all."
"Well, if you like to see people hurt, too, why are you warning me? Why do you care what he does with me?" I ask, turning around.
"Because you are getting a second chance at life. You conveniently forgot everything that happened with Tobias, and you could start fresh. I know I would have killed for a second chance at life." He laughs darkly.
"I think I can decide what to do with my own life, thanks." I grumble and walk away.
"You're gonna regret it. Mark my words!" He yells behind me.
I quickly run back inside, wanting to get out of his sight. I can't believe he just spewed all that nonsense to me. Does he really think I'm that dumb? I can clearly see what's right in front of me. And I'm inclined to trust my own instincts instead of the abusive father of my husband.
Shaking my head to clear it, I get back to work. There's only an hour left now, and I make it useful by writing down all the new recipes I find. Tori seems relieved and excited to be sharing stuff with me. I know she was trying her best to hold herself back from saying the wrong things.
The clock hits 5 and I'm almost wrapped up with today's work. I get a paper bag and put the small containers of the special dessert into it. Then I hang up my apron, ready to head out. Just then, I hear tires screeching to a stop outside the doors. Saying goodbye to Tori, I walk out.
Tobias jumps out of the car, his feet hitting the ground hard as he runs to me and takes me in his arms. He breathes deeply into my hair without saying a word, and I hug him back. The tension slowly rolls off of his shoulders and he relaxes into me.
"Hey." He whispers, pulling back to finally look at me.
"Hey." I smile. "I told you I would stay in one piece."
He laughs at that, bending to kiss me softly. "I'm sorry for being a jerk all day."
"Don't be. It's okay to care." I whisper.
"You ready to go home?" He asks.
"I am. Let's go." I nod.
"What's in the bag?" He asks me when we're buckled in and driving.
"A surprise, for later." I smile.
"Later? Can't you tell me now? Please, Tris." I recall how I used to speak in the same tone when I'd ask him where he was taking me on a date.
"No, you'll have to wait. But I promise that it'll be worth it."
"Fine, I'll take your word for it." He winks at me.
I smile at him then look out the window. My mind goes back to earlier today, and I contemplate if I should tell him about Marcus. I know he would flip out, ready to go after him right this instant. But he's already been so stressed all day today, I can't make him any more anxious. I decide to tell him tomorrow morning, when he's rested and has a clear head.
A/N: Hi, everyone! How are you doing? Another chapter joins the story. Tell me what you think about it!