Play it again: a divergent high school fanfiction

Chapter 22

Saturday morning came all too quickly. Before I knew it my mom was waking me up, telling me to start getting ready. After I showered and blow-dried my hair, I asked my mom to fix it into a bun. I did this for two reasons.

1: She used to do this for me all the time, and I knew it would make her happy and comfort her.

2: I needed to look professional for this. At least, thats what our lawyer said. I thought I should be completely myself but I guess not.

"So, are you nervous?" My mom asked as she finished my hair.

"Are you?" I responded, instead of answering

"No." She said calmly. "Im terrified"

"Me too." I sighed.  She pulled me into a hug, then left to her room. I think she was hiding tears. It almost seemed like it was harder for her than for me. And I think she knew that too, which made her sad. The kind of motherly proud sadness because she thought it was mature of me. I went back to my room and slipped into a casual yet "professional looking" dress, then headed down the many flights of stairs to the kitchen.

"Good morning beatrice." Caleb greeted me. "Sorry... Tris" He added. He wasnt really used to this whole 'new me' thing.

"Morning."

"So, are you nervous?" he asked. God why does everyone keep saying that. Its not like today is important or anything. Even in my mind im sarcastic. I rolled my eyes.

"Why would I be? Not like were going to decide the rest of out lives." I responded dryly.

"Well thats a little dramatic. And if anything, the judge is going to decide." He said with a small smile.

Its going to be a long day.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

We walked into the courthouse and we're directed to our assigned room. It was small, so it was easily filled even though there werent many people. Only A few of our family members including my Aunt, Uncle, and 2 cousins. From Andrew's side. (I no longer feel it fit to call him my father. Its not like he ever acted like one.) Also here is All my friends and there families. Their parents haad already taken seats, but our group was in a cluster to the side of the room.

"I'll be right back." I whispered to my mom, giving her arm a light squeeze of encouragement, and slip over to the group. For once in our lives, we're not full of laughing and jokes. Its actually kinda weired, even considering the circumstances. When I reach them, Tobias immeadiatly pulls me into a protective comforting hug. Christina joins in, and im quickly surronded by all of them. Engulfed in a group hug.

"Okay guys" I chuckle. " air is kind of a necessity" They all back away, except Tobias of course. I turned so my back is to his chest, my head perfectly resting on his shoulder. And his arms wrapped around my torso.

"So-" Shauna started talking.

"Please, Please dont ask me if im nervous." I cut in. She grinned.

"Thankfully, Thats not what I was going to ask. I was hoping for a slightly happier subject.I already assumed you didnt want to talk about it."

"Thank god someone else understands how I think." I said with a smile.

"I was just going to say Christina mentioned wanting to do our first youtube video this weekend?"

My eyes lit up at the idea, "Yeah, we just need to figure out what to do for the dedication."

Before we could start Brainstorming my mom came over, "Its time to take our seats." She told us. Tobias gave me one last kiss of encouragement before sitting down. As everyone passed they gave me quick hugs. I took a deep breath sitting down as it started. The judge and other people spoke, but honestly, I didnt understand most of it. All I knew is I would be called up to the stand and I just had to tell the story of what happened. Then they would decide what would happen to Andrew. He was called to speak just before I was. The Only part I even listened to was when he said:

"I have never spoken words to her that werent of encouragement or average parental constructive critism. The accusation that I attempted to beat her is Ridiculus and completely false."

At this point I felt Caleb's body tense up, he made a move as if he was about to stand up, so I placed my hand on his shoulder.

"Dont." I whispered, "Dont do something you will regret." He nodded and took a few deep breaths. He really was a good brother. He was usually gone as often as my mother and Andrew were, but he cared about me. And I loved him too, even if we didnt show it all that often. Finally I was called to tell my side of the story. The truthful side. By the time I was at the stand, and had sworn to tell the truth, I was pissed off.

Before I was scared to speak. I felt uncomfortable talking about some of what he had done to me, and what it had casued me to do to myself. My lawyer agreed. He had helped me figure out what to say, and what parts to leave out. Tips on how to sound professional and calm. All of that went out the window when I took my seat. People needed to know what happened, All of it.

I told the basic story, then explained the effect it had on me. Ruined self confidence, social anxiety, and self harm. It was full of emotion, in my opinion, that would have more effect than the calm and poised version. I was then instructed to return to my original seat. I zoned out again until I heard:

"Andrew Prior, You have been found guilty of a non-violent form of child abuse."

"non violent my ass." I muttered to myself.

"You are ordered to pay a fine off $500,000 to the family." He continued, also adressing my mom now. "Natalie Prior If you and Andrew Prior would step forward. Divorce papers need to be signed. They give full custody of Beatrice and Caleb Prior To their mother, Natalie Prior. And also requires Andrew Prior To stay 500 feet away from the family at all times."

They both signed the papers. "Meeting adjourned."

_________________________________________TIME SKIP________________________________

"Okay Tris considering You are our lead singer, I vote you have to choose the song." Marlene said. Shauna and Christina agreed. We are in my living room, trying to think of what to sing for our first video

"Ugggh fine. lets do.." I tried to think. So much has happened in the last few weeks. What song could we do. Finally it came to me. Obviously, why didnt I think of it earlier?

"Let's do Stronger by Kelly Clarkson."  We headed downstairs one of the many rooms in my basement. I had always loved singing, to et me to feel more comfortable preforming my mom had a room designed for me. Inside was a stage, but it was more similar to a runway. It was white glass with lights on the side. In the back Was a wide space Where we had set up all the equiptment. Like drums, guitars, keyboard, amps, and a few microphone stands. In the middle it jutted out to the center of the room, making it look like a runway. Mainly I used this section, because I usually was our singer, so I liked to use this section with our wireless mic.

I set up the camera and the girls start playing. Once the song is finished we tranfer the video to youtube. Mar types in the description

All of us have gone through hard times in our lives. One of our group members in particular who is going through some very serious  issues within her family. This song goes out to her and anyone who sees this video and needs some encouragement.

"Is that good?" She asks us?

"Perfect actually. It describes the situation without being to personal or giving names, and you even managed to fit the viewers into the dedication. Nicely done." Chris says, while Giving her a high five.

"Oh god." that made me realize something. "Everyone is going to be talking about this at school monday wont they?" I asked/ complained. Drama and rumors spread like wildfire at our school.

"Maybe so." Christina said "But you know what they'll be saying? Everyone's going to be saying: 'I never would've expected it', or 'she always seems so strong and brave' or 'Her courage is amazing.' or even 'How does she manage singing, cheering, school, and have a good personality all while dealing with that?'"

"Christina's right. No one will see you as weak. They'll see you as strong, hell- you were even the one who stood up to him."

I smiled and hugged them all. I hope they're right.

___________________________________________________________________________________