A Different Divergent: Everyday Love

57

Do you have something you want to talk about, love?" Tobias asks, breaking my reverie. I've been staring out the window thinking about what I witnessed in the council meeting today between Dr. Paxton and the bitch since we left Abnegation. It has my mind reeling with questions and uncertainties.

"Not really," I mutter, studying the passing scenery. I grab on to the dashboard and door as he makes a quick right turn and pulls into an abandoned parking structure on the outskirts of Dauntless territory. "What in the hell?" He says nothing until the car comes to an abrupt halt. "Are you trying to kill us?"

"You have something on your mind, and I want to know what it is," he says, ignoring my question. He shuts off the ignition and turns in his seat, glowering at me. "Are you that worried about the kids? Is that what's going on in that head of yours?"

"I feel horrible now. I wasn't even thinking about them," I guiltily say. I should have been thinking about my sick babies instead of wondering why the bane of my existence is trying to come back and haunt me.

"Then what is it, love, and don't tell me it's nothing? Obviously, it's something," he says. "So spill."

"It's just," I begin then shake my head.

"Beatrice," he growls.

"Calm down, Tobias," I say with an exasperated sigh. "The truth is, I'm not exactly sure what it is I am concerned about."

"What's that even supposed to mean?"

"Well, I saw something. Or at least I think I saw something at the meeting. I'm not sure."

"What was it?" he implores. My silence has him on edge for some reason.

"I could be wrong. I'm not making any accusations, but I think their relationship isn't strictly professional," I say, replaying the scenes in my head over and over. Tobias' fingers gently grip my chin and turn my head to look at him.

"Okay," he says with a humorless chuckle. "You've totally lost me. That's nothing like I thought you were going to say. Whoserelationship isn't strictly professional?"

"Dr. Paxton and the bitch," I say, looking at him like it should be obvious. He frowns. "I didn't even remember who he was when I first saw them together this morning. He sat in on a couple of our counseling sessions, remember?" Tobias nods. "Even though the doctor was professionally dressed in his faction colors and she was wearing the usual factionless rainbow, they almost seemed like a couple when they walked in together. I must have had that errant thought although I honestly don't remember. He would brush his hand against her leg or squeeze her hand. They would sit side by side, heads huddled close together. When I went back to get my cell phone they were talking, leaning into each other like … lovers. She was caressing him, and he was playing with her hair. They looked like they were about to kiss."

"I didn't notice any inappropriate behavior when I saw them together, but then again, it seems like you were really keeping a close eye on them," he says.

"Her. I was watching her and I can't help it," I say. I look down at my hands, which are fidgeting in my lap. "I know this isn't very Dauntless to admit, but she scares me."

"Hey," he says as he covers my hands with his, stilling them. I tentatively look up into his ocean eyes and see nothing but love and maybe a little concern radiating back at me. "You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of." He moves one hand up to cup the side of my face. I lean into it without thinking. "And you have nothing to be scared of. I'm not going to let her disrupt our lives again."