Together: Sequel To Alone

Chapter 13 |Half Together|

Do you ever get that feeling that something is off? That strange shiver or air a metallic tang on the wind? Because that's how I've felt all day. Al had an early class today, so when I woke up, the dorm was empty and silent, save the whirring of the coffee machine. As I struggled to stay awake through the few classes I had this morning, I couldn't help but feel odd.

The feeling didn't go away even when Tobias met me after my last class of the day, when I was heading back to the dorms. He offered to buy me a coffee, to which I gladly agreed, looking for anything to chase away the lingering exhaustion that clung to me like glue. So here we were now, walking down a side street with cups of swirling black liquid clutched in our hands and held close to our bodies to thwart the lingering chill in the air. A park, it's grass green and equipment decorated in vibrant color, loomed in the distance. Tobias with his long strides, walked towards the playground that was lacking the usual squeals of children. Which wasn't surprising, since it was hardly nine o'clock.

There was a few kids though, most around middle school age, all shrieking and bouncing. But one girl sat on the swings, meekly tipping back and forth with her eyes fixed on the ground. I didn't pay any of the kids much mind as Tobias pulled me over to a bench, brushing away a few stray leaves before planting himself on the seat.

"So," he stated casually " care to explain exactly what the hell happened to you?"

There is a note of warning in his voice, something daring me to challenge him, so I take the safe route, and explain. Once I finish, his head hits his palms, and a great sigh rips from his lips.

"You should've-" he begins

"Told you, I know. But It's not that important"

"It's important to me Tris. I don't want you to get hurt because of me." His voice is low and raspy as he speaks.

"I'm okay. I promise. Just forget it, okay?" I ask. He, reluctantly, agrees, and we sit for a minute in silence sipping our coffee. My eyes drift to the girl on the swings, watching as she abandons the set when other kids come towards it. As she walks, I can see her limping slightly, her step lilting to the right. With a nudge to Tobias, I stand as she settles herself gingerly onto the base of the steps of a play set. As I approach, I can see the girls muscles coil, ready to run.

"Hey" I greet, kneeling down beside the girl. She's young, around twelve or thirteen. She casts her eyes downwards, focused on the wood chips that coat the ground. Tobias kneels beside me, and she glances up before flinching away violently. I cast a sidelong glance at him before scooting closer to the girl.

"Are you alright? It's looked like your leg was hurt." I say. She hesitantly looks up at me, making my eyes go wide. She's beautiful for someone so young. Her hair is a dark brown that lies below her shoulders in small waves. Sitting as she is, I can't tell her height, but I know that she's taller than others her age. An air of humor and strength glows around her. With large eyes and a petite mouth that fits perfectly on her features, she's stunning. But what shocks me is the deep, striking blue of her Irises. They're the exact same shade as Tobias's, down to the lighter ring towards the outside.

"I'm alright" she says, and her voice is soft and timid, her foot trembles, bouncing up and down as she speaks. Before I can speak, Tobias edges forward slowly, his large hand reaching towards her ankle. She jerks away, emitting a wince as she does so, looking flightendly at Tobias. I catch sight of what he must have seen, a deep purple bruise peeking from the hem of her jeans. I mimic Tobias's earlier actions, catching her ankle in a gentle grip, inching her pant leg up a few inches so that I can see the bruise that sketches across her ankle bone.

" That looks like it hurts" I say, looking back up at the girl, watching as she nods slightly. "Can you tell me your name?"

"Ava" she says quietly.