The Return "Allegiant p2"

Chapter 8 -Tobias-

The next week I kept myself busy with work. I went in early and came out late. I didn't mind, since it kept me busy and I got paid for it.

I was still curious as to why Zeke was acting strange last weekend, but I realized the more I thought about it, the more I started thinking about other things that I wished I could forget. "You'll never forget Tris," my sub-conscious sneers. I roll my eyes, trying to ignore it.

I look up from my work for a minute frowning and realize that Christina is standing in my office. I immediately jump out of my chair and run to her, assuming that something is seriously wrong. Christina never comes to my place of work.

"It's boring in there!" She once told me after trying to find a job.

"I don't mind it," I shrugged my shoulders.

"That's because you were born a stiff," she joked. "You're probably used to having no fun."

"What's wrong?" I ask.

She looks surprised. "Umm, nothing really..."

I'm confused. "Why are you here then?"

"Just to apologize for last weekend. I am so so sorry."

Ever since the party, Christina has made it her duty to apologize whenever and wherever she can. After she woke up on Saturday, she saw me and demanded to know why I was in her house. After explaining everything that happened, to say she was embarrassed was an understatement.

"Christina it's fine," I assure her. "You've apologized everyday this week so far."

"I just don't want you to think any less of me," she looks at the floor.

I laugh. "Why is that so funny?" She demands.

"Christina I don't think any less of you." I roll my eyes.

Finally I manage to convince Christina that I forgive her, and she leaves. By then it's time to leave myself anyways.

Once at home I make dinner and clean. Once I am satisfied I sit in my chair and close my eyes.
Knock knock.

I open the door. "Tobias!" My mother exclaims giving me a hug.

"Mother," I say returning her hug. "Come in," I say stepping out of the way so she can get in. I look at her. It's been at least a year since of seen her last. We manage to talk every now and again but haven't had the time to actually meet up because work has kept me busy. Time has made her older. I can see the formation of new wrinkles on her face and hands. Her hair is turning more grey and she moves slowly. My mother is aging.

"Come, tell me what's new. What have I been missing," she says leading me to the couch. She sits down and motions for me to sit beside her like she owns the place.

We talk about my job and my personal life. I tell her about the party and she laughs about the Christina part. I also tell her about my confusion for Zeke. She tells me about what she's been doing. It looks like she wants to say something else but she thinks better of it.

We go into the kitchen to eat. "Please you have to go on vacation with me!" She pleads.

"Maybe. I have things I have to do here though." I tell her. The government is letting us live outside of factions so long as we remain peaceful and they can continue their experiments. If I leave there is a possible chance everything could backfire. My mother understands this. She nods her head.

We move into more conversations about funny moments in our lives. One time a factionless man tried to be a Dauntless and started scaling one of the old buildings. He made it but then he was too scared to come back down. "Didn't someone help him?" I ask.

"Well yes, but it wasn't really all that necessary. The height he reached was only a few feet from the ground. He could have jumped and been fine," she laughs. I tell her about stories from Dauntless and life now. Dinner is peaceful and I have the most fun I've ever had in a while.

"So, Tobias," my mother begins. "I'm assuming you are still single?" She says more than asks looking around.

I sigh. I was hoping to avoid this conversation altogether. "Mother I'm a busy man. I just don't have time." I shrug. I have dedicated myself to keeping the faction system down for good and I didn't mind if that sometimes got in the way of things.

"There is always time for love." She says quietly.

I snort. "Yeah because you would know," I say defensively. "I'm sure you thought about love trying to take over society. I'm sure you were in love among the factionless. Don't you tell me about love." I say more forcefut than I intended. She shrinks back in her seat, a hurt expression on her face. It is quiet for a few minutes.

"Look, I'm sorry." I say looking at her.
"No, your right. I shouldn't be giving you love advice." She sags defeatedly. "It's just...I want to see you happy. I won't be around for long. I want to sed you happily married. I want grandchildren." She admits.

"Look, mother. I'm sure you'll still be around when I do find someone. Don't worry about me." I tell her.

"Tobias," she begins. She looks like she's at war with herself.

"Mother just say it."

"Tobias," she says again. "I have cancer, and I don't have long to live.