A Different Divergent: A Better Tomorrow

~seventy-seven~

Chapter 78

I rudely stand at my open door, staring at Peter's mother openmouthed. I know I wouldn't be having this absurd reaction if Zeke hadn't just told Tobias a mere few hours ago that Molly had met with her aunt this very morning. I can't believe she's here. It must be a coincidence, it has to be. I continue to stare, frozen in place until Tyler comes up beside me.

"Who this, Mommy?" he brightly asks as he tugs on my pant leg.

"Ruth, I am so sorry," I say, finally finding my manners. "Please come in." I suddenly have the strong desire to have my kids close to me so I reach down and pick Tyler up, which surprises him but he takes full advantage and wraps his arms tightly around me and lays his head on my shoulder. I told Tobias that I trust her completely but now that I have her right here in front of me, I'm doubting my own feelings. I step out of her way and motion her into the living room with my hand, not wanting to turn my back on her. Part of me wishes that Zeke had just kept his mouth shut then I wouldn't feel like I'm slowly suffocating right now.

"Is everything okay, Beatrice?" she asks, confusion on her face. I'm probably coming across as a total lunatic right now.

"I have to admit that it's been kind of crazy around here lately," I say, trying to cover the real reason for my behavior, "and I wasn't expecting company."

"I am so sorry for just dropping in on you like this unannounced," she says. "I just wanted to bring this to you before the baby was born," she motions to the gift bag I didn't even realize she was carrying until she points it out, "but I see you've already had her. If this is a bad time I can go and stop by some other time."

"Nonsense. I'm glad you dropped by," I say. Maybe we can get some answers."Would you like a cup of coffee?"

"Yes, please," she says, her smile warm and friendly. I'm detecting zero deception on her part. "I would love a cup."

"Please sit down, and I'll start a fresh pot," I say.

"Mommy, who this?" Tyler asks again, staring intently at our guest, studying her every move. Is he picking up on my distrust? He's trying to whisper in my ear but he's louder than he normally is.

"Tyler, this is my friend Ruth," I say, feeling very uncomfortable here alone with the kids. Where are you, Tobias? "Ruth, this is my son, Tyler."

"Well hello, Tyler," she says, taking a step closer to us. "Don't you look exactly like your father." He beams at the unexpected compliment. At the mention of Tobias, the front door opens, and he walks into the room, his head bowed looking at the files in his hands.

"I found all five of the women, Tri..." My name fades into nothingness when he looks up and sees Ruth standing next to me, and I see his Four mask transform his face, although I'm 100% certain she can't. "Ruth. Hello."

"Good afternoon, Four," she cordially says but I think she's sensing our nervousness. "I came to drop off a present for your new baby but if this is a bad time, I could come back later. I heard about your fellow leader's death. That is so tragic."

"Ruth, you're more than welcome to stay," I say. "Tyler, buddy, why don't you go play in your room?"

"Otay," he happily says. I give him a big hug and kiss then set him on his feet. He waves at all of us then quickly disappear up the stairs.

"Four, will you help me with the coffee?" I ask. "Ruth, please sit down and make yourself at home." We watch as she sits on the end of the couch then excuse ourselves into the kitchen.

"What's she doing here?" he asks, his voice low but urgent.

"She just showed up right after you left for your office," I whisper. "She says she's dropping off a gift."