Dauntless High

Chapter 9

Tobias grabs Brendan's head between his hands and twists it backwards. I hear a crack. Brendan's arms fall away from me and he hits the floor. The other boys look at the body lying on the floor and then turn their eyes to Tobias. They gulp.

"Would you like the same treatment? He's not dead; just unconscious. If I were you I would get away. But first, say sorry to her." It's so surprising how he can change so quickly and easily. First he's that caring gentleman carrying me to the hospital in his arms and now, he turns into a tough, bodyguard who doesn't show any emotion other than anger. He has a soft side... But a hard one too. I make a mental note not to get onto the latter.

"S-s-sorry." One of them stutters, trembling. Then, they run. They run so fast, it's like someone's chasing them.

"Thank you. For saving me." I say, turning to Tobias who was already looking at me.

"Don't be silly." He smiles. After a few seconds, it fades away. "Why does this always happen to you? You don't do anything bad to anyone yet they pick on you." He looks so frustrated. His eyebrows have knitted together and he's scowling at the ground. "It's not fair." He adds.

I smile and lift up his chin with my index finger and thumb.

"Look at me. It's okay. I asked for it when Peter hurt me and this time, it was sort of a coincidence. I bet they would have picked on another girl who looked vulnerable and by herself this time of night... Oh god!! I've gotta get home!" The time said 10:45. Oh no.

Talking of getting home, I heard a honk behind us. We turned around and saw a taxi. Finally! We get in and drive home in anticipation.

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Once we get to my house, Tobias reaches for my hand and squeezes it.

"Good Luck. I'll see you tomorrow at school. Bye." He whispers. I nod and force a smile. I know I'm dead when I step through that front door. My dad's probably holding a gun pointing to it and waiting for me to arrive, I bet. I open the car door and get out. Deep breath. The taxi drives away, taking Tobias with it. Another deep breath. Start walking. When I'm at the door, my trembling hands do the doorbell. I forgot my keys.

The door opens and my mum stands there looking solemn. "Tris. You're home. And, you're late." She says, keeping her face grim.

"I know. The..film lasted longer than expected and the taxi took ages to arrive." I say, hoping she'll believe me.

I step in and notice my dad sitting on the sofa. He doesn't look happy.

"Who's that guy you went with? Tobias Eaton was it?" He asks. My parents have obviously talked about Tobias whilst I was gone. Hope it was good things. I nod.

"Why are you so late?" He asks.
I repeat what I told my mum. He nods reluctantly. "Fine. I'll let you off this once but I don't want you to go out with Tobias so late again. I will not permit you to leave this house later than 6 o'clock. You can go on the weekend but not a school day. Understand?" He says. I'm shocked. My jaw drops.

"Dad! It wasn't his fault!! That's ridiculous!" I argue.

My dad raises his voice. "You will NOT argue with me!" He rages.

"DAD!" I protest.

"LOWER YOUR VOICE YOUNG LADY!" He roars, standing up as he speaks. "This is MY house and you will listen to ME as long as you are in it. I'm your father for God's sake!"

I give up. I can't believe what's happening. I start to climb the stairs.

"And where do you think you're going?" My dad asks.

"Upstairs, Dad. To a place called MY ROOM." I answer back. I shouldn't have said it but I am angry.

"Do NOT give me cheek, Beatrice." He says slowly. Dangerously.

He never uses my full name unless he's REALLY angry. It sounds weird. I ignore him and thunder up the stairs.

I jump onto my bed and sob. I've never got into such a big argument with my Dad before. It's because of Tobias. I fall asleep with wet cheeks doubting my friendship with Mr Eaton.