Dauntless High School

Chapter 49

TRIS

On Monday, I didn't see much of Tobias. We were both especially aware that we needed to hide our relationship at school. When he texted that night to let me know he couldn't make it for tutoring, I understood. He had both basketball and football practice that night, and I was tired as well; after cheer practice, Marlene and I spent a couple of hours visiting with Uriah at the hospital.

By Tuesday, I was really beginning to miss him. It had been days since we had spent any time alone. At the post-game party I was sure we would find someplace to hide away for a while. I tried to watch for an opportunity, but never found one. Tobias, on the other hand, seemed perfectly content to mill around and talk to anyone but me. He was never alone for a moment. Then when I finally managed to sit next to him at the jenga table, he left before we were done playing.

I awakened Wednesday morning feeling hungover and unrested. I had tossed and turned for most of the night analyzing Tobias's recent behavior. I had also overslept, so there was no hope of meeting up with Tobias before class. I carried the disappointment with me to my first class, along with an uneasy feeling that I desperately tried to push back. Ever since Tobias and I had sex last week, I had barely seen him, and unwelcome doubts were creeping into the back of my mind. I shoved them back as hard as I could. This is Tobias, I told myself. He loves me.

As the day went on, everything was normal: Tobias and I joked with each other during math class, tried to lay low with our friends so close by during English, and were partners for a worksheet in Spanish class. I just kept looking forward to tonight.

Wednesdays always bring out conflicting emotions in me. Each week, I worry what will happen to Tobias when he meets his father for dinner, but he comes over to my house afterward without fail. That's the part my mind and heart are eagerly anticipating. Finally, finally I will get to spend some time alone with him. But I know he won't show up until after nine o'clock, and those doubts from earlier still niggle at the edges of my awareness, so I easily agree to go shopping with the girls after cheer practice.

Marlene and I take my truck while Shauna rides with Christina; as usual, Lynn declined the invitation. We all meet for a quick dinner in the mall food court. Marlene glances at the maternity shop as we follow Christina into Victoria's Secret.

As we browse the racks of lingerie sets, I glance around to see that Shauna and Christina are across the store from us. "Getting something nice to show off to Uriah?" I ask quietly, wiggling my eyebrows.

Marlene shrugs and wistfully murmurs, "A girl can dream."

"Never hurts to be prepared," I wink at her. Then, turning more serious, I add, "Everything will work out, Mar."

She answers with a small smile. "I hope so."

"Ooh," Christina squeals as she and Shauna approach. "Getting something sexy to show off to Four and Uriah?" She wiggles her eyebrows.

I stiffen. "Wh-what?" I stutter.

"I know you said you and Uriah weren't getting back together, but come on, Tris," Christina rolls her eyes at me. "And Marlene and Four seem to be getting pretty close lately." She laughs and Shauna smirks.

Marlene and I burst out in protest, talking over one another.

"Sure," Christina says sarcastically.

"Christina," I say, trying my best to be patient, "Uriah and I are over. Four and Marlene are not together. Did you ever think maybe we just like pretty underwear?"