Together: Sequel To Alone

Chapter 9 |Flying Together|

C h a p t e r 9

There was so many things that I didn't want to do, but just as many that I had to do. This, flying out to see my parents, was both of those things. Caleb sat next to me on the plane, stretching his long legs as much as he could in the cramped row. I was curled up in the window seat, watching the ground get closer and closer and we descended.

I had told Al the day before about having to leave for the weekend. I didn't, however, mention this to Tobias. I should have, he'll be worried. But some cynical part of me wants him to feel the panic I felt. Also, I didn't think it was his business. I've forgiven him, but I still haven't let him back in.

The plane bounces onto the ground, slowing to a stop at the gates. Everyone files out and I reach up and snatch Caleb and I's carry on bags, the only ones we brought since Caleb only packed a little bit to come and see me and I couldn't be bothered to put much effort into packing.

Almost an hour later we stand in front of the airport waiting for our parents to pick ups up, as they said they would. But it's been twenty minutes and still no sign of them. But a silver car pulls up and man gets out, his hair a thin cap of grey and his shirt pressed flat. It's not until Caleb tenses beside me that I realize who it is.

" Beatrice! Caleb! Good to see you" the man greets jovially

" Marcus" Caleb greets stiffly as I grind my jaw. As much dislike as i harbor for Tobias, it's nothing compared to how much I loath Marcus Eaton.

We load our bags in his black car and slip into the back seat. No one says a word as Marcus starts the car and drives off. I don't realize that I'm shaking until Caleb oust a hand on my arm. I unclench my fists, crescent shaped indentations on my palm, and take a deep breath. The ride back seems much longer than it is, simply because of the tension in the air. But soon we are at my old house, it's bland walls and boring roof unchanged save for a few marks here and there.

Our parents stand at the door to greet us, each of them wrapping us in a hug. We embrace stiffly for a minute before breaking apart and lugging our bags inside. The interior was the same as always, the same carpet, the same furniture. All the same.

" I'm glad you two could make it out" my dad welcomes

" Its good to see you" my mom adds

" good to see you too" Caleb replies with a smile. My eyes linger on Marcus, he leans on the door frame. My dad catches my eye and grins towards me.

" Marcus will be joining us for dinner tonight by the way" my dad says.

"Oh now it'll really be a party" I mutter. My phone buzzes in my pocket, vibrating against my leg. I pull it out to see a few messages pop up on the screen

From: Unknown number

Tris, it's Tobias. Where are you?

Tris, you weren't in your dorm so I asked Al for your number. Where are you?

This isn't funny Tris, where'd you go?

Tris Prior so help me I'll track you down myself

Tris. Text me back. Now

Several more like this follow, all from Tobias wondering where I am. Since I'm such a good person, I decide to text back

To: Tobias

Flew out to meet my parents for dinner. Don't worry. See you in a few days.

With that, I stalk up the stairs to my room, hoping that dinner goes well.

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This isn't going well. Not well at all. The meal itself was quiet and awkward, with my parents and Marcus trying to fell the conversational lapse with small talk, unsuccessfully, may I add.

But that's not the worst part. See, Caleb has always been a bit of a lightweight. So, a few beers down him and he's off his ass. Caleb was always a chatty drunk, which would've been fine, if he had a filter.

" She was like four years old and she was just sitting in the sink butt naked" Caleb laughs " it was great"

"Caleb, shut up" I mutter, my cheeks flaming.

" she's always been so not crazy too. 'Oh I love him' 'oh we'll get married and have fifty kids' it's hilarious" his words are slurring into themselves.

" Though, I must say" he hiccups " I don't like her current boyfriend."

It's out of his mouth before I can stop him and all eyes are suddenly on me.

" what boyfriend?" My dad asks

"I don't have a-" I start only to be cut off by Caleb

" Number boy! Remember him, you kicked him out but," he pauses to giggle " he showed up at her collage and kissed her"

" Beatrice!" My mother exclaims. She and my dad look scandalized while Marcus looks carefully uninterested.

" what? I'm an adult. I can make my own choices." I reply

" We told you that you weren't to date him. How did you even meet up? Did you know where he was?" My dad asks

" Oh yeah" Caleb laughs " he was with his f-"

My hand clamps over Caleb's mouth before he does something very bad. I really regret telling him everything now.

"Okay!" I exclaim, jumping up and pulling Caleb with me. " I think that's just about enough."

" Tris, no. We forbid you to see him any more." My dad chastised

"You can't forbid me from doing jack squat! I'm an adult" I growl, yanking Caleb with me as I stalk up stairs.

After a few minutes, I shove Caleb into his bedroom and slam the door behind us.

"Damn you Caleb" I grumble as I shove him onto his bed. " damn you and your inability to hold alcohol"

I walked out of his room and to my own, ready to collapse on my bed. But, unfortunately, someone was already there.

" Why are you in here, Marcus" I sighed, my hands in tight fists by my side.

"I thought you might answer a few questions about my son" he says mildly, his hands moving over the sheets on my bed.

" Who?" I ask flatly

"No, no, don't play dumb. You know who I'm talking about" he says, standing and walking closer. He leans around me and shuts the door, locking It with a click.

" I have no idea w-" suddenly, I'm pinned to a wall, something glinting at my throat. A knife.

"Tell me, bitch, or this won't end well" he snarls. I slowly inch my hand around to my back pocket. He has his hand wrapped around my left wrist, pinning it to my side.

"You won't" I say, but I'm not sure I believe it.

His hand releases my wrist and for a moment I think he'll let me go but no. His elbow comes up and strikes me in the face, just to the right of my eye. I have to bite down on my lip to keep from crying out as he viciously grabs my wrist again.

He opens his mouth to say something else but my hand wraps around the object in my pocket and I silently click the pocket knife open. I swiftly bring up my knee into his crotch and spin him around, knocking the life from his hand and pinning him to the wall.

" You will leave. Now. Or I will start screaming and I doubt my parents will like it much seeing you in my room."

With a glare, Marcus turns and throws open the door and stalks downstairs. I rip my hands through my hair, picking the other knife up off the ground and stashing it in a drawer. With a sigh, I curl under the covers, not bothering to dress for bed, and fall into a fitful sleep.

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Raise your hand if algebra makes you want to jump from a window! *raises hands*

But anywho, schools started up and I'm so thoroughly done with everyone. I'm going to make a rant book. Read it, don't. I don't care. I hope you guys like the chapter. Have a nice day/night!

Stay fluffy🐼