The Iron Soldier: A FourTris Divergent Story

Chapter 8

"You better be awake, out of bed, bright eyed and bushy tailed when I get in there." Christina announces as she barges into my room.

I moan, sinking deeper under the comforter.

"Tris! You need to get up."

"Why? It's Saturday. I want to sleep in."

Christina places her hands on her hips, gently tapping her toe. "You promised me you'd go with me to the charity softball game."

"That's today?"

"You know it is. I've been talking about it all week. Now get up. The team is meeting for breakfast in twenty five minutes."

"Christina, I'm really not feeling up to..."

Before I can finish my sentence, she yanks my covers off the bed, gasping when she sees my scratched and gashed arms. "Oh my God! What happened to you?"

I'm really not in the mood to talk about this, but judging Christina's face, I don't have an option. "You know how Carlos's convenience store was held up yesterday?"

Her eyes widen, "Yeah?"

"Well, I was there. The guy fired off a shot into that tall glass cabinet behind the checkout counter. I was showered with glass when it happened." I look down at my hands. "Carlos was hit. He's in the hospital."

Christina sat down beside me on the bed. "I'm so sorry babe. I had no idea. Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I was shaken up a bit, but I'm fine. I'm worried about Carlos though."

Christina rubbed my shoulder. "I'm sure you are."

"I think I'm going to try to visit him at the hospital later today."

"That's a good idea. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, Christina. I told you, I'm fine. I've just got some scratches."

"Well then, if you really are okay, then you have no reason not to come to the softball game. The Children's hospital is counting on the money you raised."

"I shook my head. I didn't raise any money. No one wanted to sponsor me, and I don't blame them. I'm horrible at organized sports."

"I guess you didn't hear. Al is backing you. In fact, you raised more money than anyone else just having him sponsor you. All you have to do is play, and the contribution will be finalized."

My head falls back as I cover my eyes with my hands. "Fine. I'll do it. But only for the sake of the charity."

Christina jumps up, clapping her hands. "Thank you so much Tris. Now, go get ready for breakfast."

"I'm actually going to skip breakfast."

"What? No." Christina whines.

"Yes. The hospital visiting hours are shorter on the weekends. If I wait till after the game, it may be too late to go see Carlos."

"Yeah, okay." Wow! No argument. Who are you and what have you done with the real Christina? "The game starts at 2:00 but you need to be there at 1:30."

I nod my head.

"Roth field, 1:30. You will be there right?"

"Yes, I promise."

Christina squeezes my knee affectionately before leaving my room. "I'm going to head out right away. Will is meeting me at the restaurant a little early." She calls from the hallway.

"Of course he is," I mumble beneath my breath. "Okay. I'll see you later then."

"Bye babe." The front door closes. I'm free to fall backwards in my bed.