A Different Divergent: A Better Tomorrow

~thirty-eight~

Chapter 38

A cool breeze blows my hair across my face as I make my way to the carrousel at the Navy Pier. It's nearly 12:45 a.m., and the only light is coming from the big, beautiful full moon above me. Tonight we're playing capture the flag, a Dauntless tradition, or should I say everyone else gets to play, and I have to settle for sitting on the sidelines, watching.

I went to see Zander first thing this morning after five very long days of bed rest. Will and Christina volunteered to watch Tyler and Tessa for us while Tobias pushed me to the infirmary in a borrowed wheelchair. There was no apprehension during the trip. We laughed and talked the entire journey. I've been feeling great, more than great actually, and my blood pressure proved it. It was the lowest reading since I got pregnant so he took me off all restrictions. The only thing he wanted me to continue doing daily was blood pressure checks but instead of traveling to the infirmary each morning or having someone come to me, he let me borrow a portable machine that goes on my wrist. He explained that it isn't as accurate a reading as having a professional take my blood pressure but it's better than nothing. I have to be honest, I was quite surprised when he didn't have a problem with me coming out tonight. I just had to promise not to overdo it. He actually thought the fresh air and minimal exercise would do me some good. He just wants me to watch my stress level, which should be easy now that the bitch is gone.

I sit down on the deserted carrousel and wait for whichever team decides to jump off the train first. I'm hoping it's Tobias and Zeke's team but I wouldn't mind hanging out with Christina and Uriah for the evening. Tobias, the kids, and I were together all day. After we finished up in the infirmary, we stopped by the commissary and picked up all the ingredients for spaghetti and meatballs with all the fixings, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter fudge, and Rice Krispies treats. Tyler was happy when we picked him and his sister up and told him we were going to spend the entire day together just the four of us. When I let him pick which dessert to make, he chose all three and since I was having a major craving, we went ahead and spent most of the morning making cookies and candy, which wore him out. After a light lunch of Caesar salad with grilled chicken, Tyler took the longest nap he's ever taken. Tobias actually had to wake him when supper was ready. Gravel crunching beneath someone's feet drags me from my reverie. I turn with a smile on my face, fully expecting to see Tobias or one of my friends but no one's there. My smile quickly fades as my pulse quickens.

"Is someone there?" I call out, my voice loud and clear, somehow not betraying how nervous I suddenly am. I listen carefully but all I hear is the sound of crickets singing. Just as I convince myself that I must have been hearing things, the sound of footsteps begin again but this time it is closer and seems to surround me. I quickly scan the area but still don't see anything in the shadows. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to come out here by myself. I get up from the bench and ball my hands into fists, readying myself for a fight if necessary and start walking toward the car, carefully measuring each step. Not a minute later I hear voices and laughter and know that one of the teams is on its way. I expect my heart to calm but it doesn't.

I try to ignore the unease building in my chest and turn my attention to the approaching Dauntless party. Just like last year, each team is comprised of an equal number of transfers, Dauntless-born, and members bringing the approximate total to 20, including the co-leaders. When I see Tobias and Zeke leading the way, I finally begin to relax. I look at the group behind them and smile. The team looks remarkably similar to last years', narrow shoulders and small frames. He's definitely consistent. He also picked some of the smartest in my opinion. They'll not only be quick on their feet but quicker with their brains. I chuckle to myself when I realize that Christina and Uriah, who both were on our team last year, didn't learn a thing from Tobias. They assembled their team based on brute force.