A Different Divergent: Everyday Love

43

Chapter 43

As I cross the threshold into the training room after a quick trip to my office to lock the important file Zander gave Tobias and me away, I stop short. The smell of sweat, dust, metal, and sulfur assaults my nostrils, making me sick to my stomach but not because of the ever-present morning sickness. No, this will always be one of my least favorite places in the compound. The simple task of entering this room takes me back to a day I'd rather forget every single time. I shake off the unwelcome feeling and make my way across the expansive room to where my husband is standing with Uriah and Christina.

"Hey guys."

"There you are," Tobias says. He's standing with his toned arms crossing his broad chest, his steely eyes on the practice fight in front of us. The Dauntless-born encompassing the mat are calling out words of encouragement to their friends and razzing their foes. Everyone looks like they're having a good time except for Christina. Her face is wearing a scowl and her right foot is tapping impatiently. I know Will doesn't want me to talk to her but she looks like she's about to explode.

"The kids caught me in my office," I say. "Bridget and Fiona are taking them to the park so they can have a picnic with Liam. They're really excited."

"I'm sure they are," he says.

"So how are the fights going?" I ask. "They look like they've improved significantly."

"They have," Uriah says, pride unmistakable in is tone. "I feel like we could skip to phase two already."

"We'll see how well they do when we start long gun practice next week," Christina mumbles under her breath. Tobias turns and gazes at her with concern while Uriah looks on questioningly.

"You okay?" I quietly ask, saddling up beside her.

"Mm-hm," she mutters.

"If you want to talk, you know I'm here for you," I say before turning my attention away from her surliness. I don't want it to rub off on me.

The next hour or so passes quickly as we watch Dauntless-born after Dauntless-born show off unprecedented skill. They definitely have to be the most impressive class I've ever seen. If it weren't for fatigue I don't think the practice fights would ever end.

"Go ahead and go to lunch," Uriah says after the last fight finishes. "Remember to be back by 1:30."

"You want to eat in the cafeteria or at home?" Tobias asks once the final initiate leaves.

"Home," I say. "I don't want to walk all the way to the Pit."

"All right. We'll see you guys after lunch," he says to Uriah and Christina but instead of acknowledging us, she stalks toward the door.

"Do you have any idea what's up with her?" Uriah asks as we watch her retreating form.

"It's personal," I say not wanting to reveal too much.

"Has she been like this a lot lately?" Tobias asks.

"She's been somewhat distracted since initiation started but nothing like today," he says. "She's grumpier than usual."

"Let me know if it becomes a problem," Tobias says.

"I'm sure she'll be fine," I say, feeling the need to stand up for my best friend knowing exactly why she's acting uncharacteristically.

"I'm sure she will," Tobias agrees, "but just in case, I want to be kept apprised of her mood. Our initiates are our future, and they need our best instructors. Obviously, she's not at her best right now."