A Different Divergent: A Better Tomorrow

~six~

Chapter 6

"Marcus? What are you doing here?" I ask, surprised I'm able to keep the hatred I'm feeling out of my voice.

"Beatrice," he says, respectfully nodding his head at me. What is he up to? "Like I told your friend here, I'm looking for my son. I don't mean to intrude but I would like to speak with him. Is he here?" I stare at him suspiciously.

"He's at work," I slowly say.

"Of course. I should have realized that," he says. "I know he's probably busy with initiation coming next week. I remember those days. Is it possible that you could tell him I'm here?"

"Why should I do that? You've caused him nothing but heartache and trouble. I don't want him to be reminded of you," I say. He looks at me and takes a deep breath. I expect attitude but get none. Why am I so suspicious of him?

"I'm here to apologize to both of you," he says. "I won't take up much of your time if you would just tell him I'm here."

"Come in," I say. Christina and I move away from the door and Marcus walks in. I go to the living room and pick Tessa up off the floor then get my phone off the end table. I send a quick text to Tobias letting him know that he's needed at home immediately. Within two minutes I hear his key in the lock, and he doesn't look happy when he comes through the door.

"What are you doing here, Marcus?" he angrily says. "I told you I didn't want you near my family ever again."

"Four, please let me explain," Marcus says. Tobias' mouth drops open, and he stands a little straighter, stunned into silence. "I came to apologize to you and Beatrice." A noise catches my attention, and I turn to see Tyler coming down the stairs.

"Tyler, honey, will you please go back upstairs and play in your room?" I ask. "Mommy will come up and get you when we're done." He hesitates for a moment like he's going to argue but he turns and drags himself back upstairs, looking confused.

"I'm going to take off," Christina says. "We'll talk later about the wedding. Thanks for keeping me company today, Tris." She picks Liam's diaper bag up, and Tobias opens the door for her.

"Thanks for this morning," I say. "I'll talk to you later. Bye." Tobias closes the door after she hurriedly leaves.

"What's your game?" Tobias asks as he comes to stand in front of me, protective as always.

"No game," Marcus says. "Please sit down. I'm not asking for anything except for both of you to listen to me." I look up at Tobias but he's staring at his father. I take his hand and pull him to the couch. Tessa's starting to nod off so I put her up to my shoulder and rub her back. I'd put her in her swing but I can't stand the thought of putting her down right now, not with Marcus here. "I've done a lot of soul searching since the last time we talked, and I realized that I was wrong." He starts pacing back and forth in front of us, head bowed, nervously wringing his hands in front of him.

"I raised you the way my father raised me, Four. It's the only way that I knew. I pray daily that you are able to break the cycle of abuse and be a better man than your father. I blamed you for leaving Abnegation when I should have blamed myself. I understand now that you needed to distance yourself from me. I know that saying I was wrong and I'm sorry doesn't change anything and doesn't fix anything. My hope is that with time we can establish a relationship and lay our past to rest but I will leave that up to you. I only want what's best for you and your family.

"As for you Beatrice ... I'm sorry, Tris, I've been unfair to you. You've done nothing except love my son unconditionally and stand up to his old man, trying to get him to realize his mistakes. Our estrangement has nothing to do with you. I've always known that but it was just easier to blame you than look inward at my responsibility. You are an amazing woman, and I'm glad my son has you.