Dauntless High School

Chapter 21

A/N: I had a hard time figuring out how to write this one and a friend helped me with it. Thanks, T!

-o-o-o-o-o-

FOUR

I am standing in the school parking lot, Zeke waiting with me. He should be at home preparing for the victory party after our away win against Amity High tonight. Instead, he is here with me. I haven't mentioned much about my home life to anyone, not wanting them to associate me with Marcus. But Zeke being Zeke, he must have felt my apprehension, seen how the closer we got to home, the more tense I became.

I told him to go, that I would be fine waiting in the parking lot, but he wouldn't have it. He used the excuse that he didn't want me left alone with Peter and his goons always lurking around. I can't say I'm not happy that he is with me.

"Your father doesn't own a watch, does he?" Zeke asks with a chuckle.

"Just his way of showing who is boss," I respond.

They're the only words we have spoken in the last thirty minutes. Zeke knows I'm not much of a talker, except when I'm around her. Why? I don't know, but even now I can't stop thinking about her. I see headlights coming towards us and I know it is him.

"Are you sure you don't want to blow your dad off and come to the party?" Zeke asks.

"I can't, Zeke. If I don't cooperate with their agreement, he might drag my mom into court about it," is all I say.

The car rolls to a stop in front of us and Marcus rolls his window down. "Get in the car," he sneers at me.

"Later, dude," Zeke says and gives me a fist bump.

"Enjoy your weekend," I reply.

"You know it," Zeke laughs and starts to get into his car.

I had to leave my car at home today. Marcus wanted to make a show of picking me up after the game. Some show, he turned up thirty minutes late. Maybe Zeke is right, I could always get him a watch for his next birthday.

I go to get into the car but notice there is a woman in the front seat. As much as I don't want to know who this person is, it does mean that I have less chance of him turning on me if she is here.

I throw my bag into the back seat and follow it into the car. I am careful not to speak first as I buckle my seatbelt.

"You won, I presume?" he asks.

"Yes sir."

"I hope there weren't any fumbles like last time."

"No sir, I played well."

"You can't just play well, Tobias, you need to be the best. Don't think I'm going to be handing out money for your college education. You need that scholarship."

"Yes, sir."

The ride to his house is filled with Marcus and his lady friend talking; Brenda is her name, I think that's what he said. It seems she will be spending the night. I let out a sigh, hoping this means he will be occupied with her for the rest of the evening.

Just the thought of having to enter his house again makes me feel sick. I hate him and everything he stands for. I wouldn't be here if not for the threat of a custody battle. I will endure one weekend a month with him to avoid the possibility that a judge might order me to spend half my time with my father ― or worse, grant him full custody. Marcus has connections in high places.

I hear the car hit the gravel of the long driveway up to the house. I can feel my shoulders tensing and my hands balling into fists. I let my nails dig into my palm, hoping it will calm me in some way. I try to think of my friends, all probably three parts drunk by now. Then I think of Tris. I hope she is okay. Watching her struggle since the break up has been hard. I can't help noticing that she has been feeling uncomfortable lately, trying to find her place within the group again. I just want to wrap my arms around her and tell her everything is going to be okay.