A Different Divergent: Everyday Love

18

Chapter 18

"Are you ready to go, Tessa?" I call out as I descend the stairs. Today, I'm taking my little one to lunch just her and me, to the boutique to pick out big girl panties, and then to the salon for a haircut. She does need a trim but I have an ulterior motive for our final stop of the day. The rumors about me and Tobias are getting out of hand, and I thought I should go to the source, the unnamed salon technician, and confront her.

Tobias really doesn't want me to but I'm tired of all the dirty looks he's been getting this week. He may say that he can handle the negative attention but I know it's wearing on him. He's been spending more and more time out of the compound overseeing the construction at Dauntless 2.0 and getting home later and later. I know that project is very important to him but I get the feeling that he's hiding from the stares, whispers, and insinuations. I'd like to stand up in the middle of the Pit and announce at the top of my lungs that all the rumors are false but, at this point, I'm not sure our members would believe us. He's done such a good job of hiding his feelings in public for so many years that almost everyone believes the cold, callous mask he puts forth. Maybe it's time for Tobias Eaton to take center stage unless it's absolutely necessary for Four to make an appearance. I know it would be difficult for him but I really think it's for the best.

"I'm weady, Mama," Tessa says as she sits in the big club chair, which makes her look tinier than she already is. She's really cute in a black tank top with a big silver heart on the front, black shorts dotted with tiny silver hearts, and black sandals. The outfit came with silver heart-shaped ponytail holders but her dark curls are hanging loose in preparation for her salon visit.

"I go, too," Teagan excitedly says from the couch. I walk to my baby girl and pick her up.

"You're going to stay here with Tyler and Bridget," I say. She immediately starts pouting. "Before long, you'll be potty trained, too, and I'll be taking you to lunch and then shopping just the two of us but today is Tessa's day. Okay?"

"'Kay," she sadly says.

"Don't forget that when Tessa and I get home that I'm taking you to Grandma and Grandpa's for the evening." Her eyes light up at this news. "You be good for Bridget."

"I will, Mama," she says.

"Me, too," Tyler says. "But I'm always good." I raise my eyebrows at him. "What?" I grin at him, shake my head, and roll my eyes. I set Teagan on her feet after a kiss and hug and she scurries away. I pick Tyler up and hug him tightly.

"You are my good boy. Don't you forget that," I say. "I love you very much."

"Love you, too, Mommy," he says as he gives me a bug bear hug. Before I sit him back down on the couch, I pepper his face with kisses. "Stop!"

"Okay, I'll stop," I say. "Bridget, Tessa and I are leaving now. I'll message you when we're on our way home. Could you make sure Tyler and Teags are ready to go to my parents?"

"Of course, Tris," she says as she enters the living room from the kitchen. "Who's ready for macaroni and cheese?"

"Me!" Tyler, Tessa, and Teags all say at the same time.

"I thought you were coming with me for lunch, Tessa." She looks up at me, to the kitchen, then back up at me. "I'll tell you what, if you really want to eat here you can but you can have macaroni and cheese at the cafeteria or anything else you want. It's up to you." She looks back toward the kitchen where Bridget is helping Teags get up to the island.

"Go wit you, Mama," she says, excitedly bouncing up and down in her seat.

"Good! I've been looking forward to this all day," I say. "Let's say bye to Tyler and Teags then we'll go." I pick her up and carry her into the kitchen. She says goodbye to her brother and sister, insisting on giving them kisses then even says goodbye to Bridget.