Divergent : Tris Pedrad

Chapter 24

There was 10 seconds left in the 1st half. We were up 21-7. The ball was snapped and I peeled off to get open. Four ripped the ball and I anticipated the catch, slowing my pace in order to catch it. My hands found the leather and I  turned on my heel, sprinting as fast my legs allowed. My lungs burned for air. I clutched the ball tightly with my elbows tucked. I side stepped someone, and tried to continue. I felt hands grab at my legs and then 2 guys seemed to sandwich me in a tackle, seering pain exploding in my body. I landed underneath them, struggling to breath. "GET OFF!" I screamed out, despite the pain and lack of oxygen in my lungs.

They slowly got off of me and I forced myself to a sitting position. The half just ended and the field was now clearing. I cringed in pain as I gently touched my head. I glanced up to Fours outstretched hand and took it gratefully. I pulled off my helmet and jogged with Four. My head was aching and my vision was blurring. I chewed my lip nervously. This was one of the few times my head had ached since the surgery. It was never this painful. I walked to Christina. "Woah, you look sick Tris. Are you still going to perform!? We need you!" She wailed.

I grabbed her shoulder. "Lead it. You know the cheer. I can't do it right now. My head is killing me. Tell the girls I needed a break. You got it Chrissy," I said patting her shoulder gently.

I nervously took off my gloves as my nausea increased. I willed myself to get into the locker room before leaning over the garbage and puking. I clutched the can with my frail fingers, my hands shaking. I hadn't felt this awful since the attack. I glanced down at my vomit to find blood lingering in it. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and took a deep breath, forcing myself to my feet. I stumbled over my own feet to my spot in the locker room before taking my seat. I felt Tobias' hand against my back and I glanced around at him. Coach had left the room and the guys were buzzing cheerfully. The pain had worsened more. "Whats wrong?" Tobias asked, his eyebrows knit in concern.

"It's nothing," I replied immediately.

"Tris. Whats wrong?" He asked again, this time under his breath.

"My head. It's never hurt like this. i think it might be from the hit. My vision is blurry and I can't balance," I admitted, another wave of nausea passing over me.

"We should get you to the hospital," he said, grabbing my hand.

"No."

"Tris," he said sternly.

"Just take me home! I'm fine," I hissed.

"I'll tell Zeke and Uriah," he said, raising his gaze to the two boys who were pushing and shoving one other playfully.

"No, please," I groaned.

"Yes," he said strictly.

He was always like this. Doing whats best for me. It was adorable, but absolutely annoying. He was like my brothers, always protecting me. I pressed my head to my hands and groaned in pain. Tobias was now standing with Zeke and Uriah. Their faces immidiatley switched to concern and they rushed over to me, which I waved off. "I am fine. Just a head ache," I said.

"Im taking you home," Zeke said, worry in his deep voice.

"It's fine," I replied.

"I'll come with," Tobias added.

"Me too," Uriah said.

"No, you guys should stay here, I can take myself home," I said shrugging.

"Hell no," zeke retorted.

"It's fine," I snapped, sounding more angry then intended.

"Fine, I either restrain you and take you to the hospital or you go freely back home," Zeke said.

"Neither," I hissed.

"Stop being stubborn," Tobias said, a frown on his face.

"I'm not," I said, matching his frown.

"Fine," Zeke said, grabbing me by the waist and pulling me up.

"Stop- Zeke- Stop it!" I snapped.

He released me and I glared at him. "Fine, I'll go," I snapped and he smiled in victory before ripping off his pads.

I grabbed the wall to help keep steady and he ran over to assist me. "Tell coach Tris isn't feeling well," Zeke said to Tobias and Uriah.

"Okay," Tobias and Uriah responded immediately.

I glared at Zeke and we left the locker room together, him practically holding me up.

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The ride was quick and when we got back, he forced me medicine down my throats and tried to force me to my room, but I refused and laid on the couch with a blanket, my head resting in Zekes lap. "Do you want me to call of the hangout tonight?" He asked me.

"No, it's okay. It's just out friends coming over, it's really no big deal," I offered, watching Grey's Anatomy intently. 

I pulled the blanket up tight to my chin, shivering. "You cold?" he asked gently. 

"I'm fine," I said, shivering. 

He gently pressed his hand to my forehead. "You feel like your burning up Ri," he said warily.

"I'm fine," I insisted. 

He gently ran his hand through my hair, tucking it behind my ear. I sighed. "I'm sorry," I said quietly. 

"For what?" He asked, sounding astonished. 

"For driving mom away, for always causing problems and getting myself into trouble. I'm so sorry Zeke," I said, glancing up at him. 

"Don't EVER apologize for that. You didn't do anything wrong. You're the strongest woman I've met. You are the happiness in my life Tris and I couldn't imagine life without my baby sis. You mean so much to me. Mom leaving wasn't your fault. She made her own decision because you said what was needed to be said. I love you Tris, no matter what," he said, gently running his hand over my cheek. 

"I love you too," I said, a small smile cracking across my face. 

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I woke up to the sound of the front door creaking open. Zeke was no longer here, I was laying on a pillow, with a blanket wrapped around me. I  felt the cushions beside me move and I glanced up lazily to fine Tobias, concern tugging at his brow. "Did we win?" I asked, hopefully. 

A small smile fell on his lips. "Yeah, we did. Barely managed without our star receiver," he said, smirking. 

I sat up with his help and slid my hand into his. I leaned into him and he wrapped his arm around me. "I love you," I said after a few silent moments. 

"I love you too," he said immediately , with no hesitation. 

He gently took my chin in his hand and tipped it up to meet his lips. His gently lips moved in sync with mine and I snaked my hand to his hair, tousling it gently. He gripped my face in his hand, gently stroking my cheek. I wanted this moment to last forever. To have his lips against mine, warming my cold body. But of course, every perfect moment must end. Ours was rudely interrupted by my idiot brother, who shouted from the kitchen, "GET YOUR MOUTHS OFF EACHOTHER! 6 INCHES AWAY AT LEAST!" 

I rolled my eyes and pulled away my lips. He gently pulled my hips onto his lap and I laid my head against his chest, breathing in his warm scent. I sighed, returning to watching my beloved show.