Eaton

19. Consequences

Tobias p.o.v.

'No, Tris' She pulls on my arm to guide me inside but I refuse. I'm in enough trouble as it is.

'What? Why not? Tobias you're bleeding. Like really bad.'

I shake my head. 'I can't let anyone else see me. I uh I actually should probably get going. I'm sorry for bothering you, I ... I'm sorry.' Everything seems disjointed. My visions is blurred and I feel dizzy. I take deep breaths to try and steady myself.

'At least let me walk you home.'

I give in. In all honesty I'm thankful for her offer, I feel faint and passing out in a random alley won't really help my situation.

'I'll be right back.' I nod and she sprints inside.

Breathe Tobias. In and out. My head is throbbing and my split lip and bleeding. I pull my sleeve up to my fingertips then press it to my lip in an attempt to stop the bleeding. As I wait here in the cold, for Tris to come out, I am suddenly aware of all the pain I'm feeling. Once the shock and adrenaline have passed, my back stings and my chest aches. Waves of nausea pulsate through my body. I try to breathe my way through but it doesn't really help. Nothing really helps.

After a few more minutes Tris emerges, smiling softly.

'I told them I was going for a quick walk.'

I try to smile at her. 'Let's go'

She loops her arm around my own and we start walking back to my house. Tris fidgets, averting her gaze from mine and playing with her sleeve. Then finally, she asks the question I know has been burning in her for days now.

'Tobias, what happened? And I don't mean tonight.'

Do I tell her? I can't. I couldn't possibly put such a weight as that of my secret on her. It would be too selfish. But maybe, just for once in my life, my selfishness can be condoned?

Marcus p.o.v.

Will sits on the edge of the bath tub, clutching an ice pack to his forehead. He doesn't speak or look at me. His usually bright eyes are grim as he stares at the floor. At least his face is clear of blood now.

I have to make a decision tonight. I know my naive son will probably forgive him for bashing his head into the wall, but I won't. Although, my son has clearly been happier since my brother moved here. Do I let him stay? Do I kick him out?

I realize just how scared Tobias must be right now. Terrified of the man who beat him to a pulp and his savior who also turned on him. I need him to come back home. I have no idea where he is but I know he'll return. I don't need to go after him, he'll make his way back on his own. He'll be fine. He will. He has to be.

Tobias p.o.v.

'If I tell you, you have to promise me, Tris, that you won't tell anyone. Not your parents. Not even your brother.'