Waiting Four You

Chapter 20 (Beatrice)

After dinner, Christina drags me off to a random hallway away from everyone else.

"I know I promised not to ask anymore, but I have a theory about this mysterious fiancé of yours," she says, her voice filled with a ravenous curiosity.

I gulp, "And what is the theory?"

Cristina paces back and forth as she explains the things she's noticed.

She finishes with, "You're almost always glancing at him and Uriah knows the guy, obviously. Plus there's the matter of not being able to tell anyone until after initiation. Can you please tell me who it is without me having to say my guess? I haven't said anything about you being engaged; you can trust me, Tris."

"I'll tell you if you're right," I finally concede. "I'm curious to know who you think he is."

Part of me wants to laugh at her serious expression, but if she guesses right, if I'm that obvious, then there's every chance that the other initiates will notice too.

"Is he Uriah's brother?"

I start to laugh. I just can't help it because the thought of being with someone as over the top as Zeke is just too funny to imagine with a straight face.

When I finally stop laughing I manage to wheeze out, "I'd rather die than get on Shauna's bad side with that one."

She gives me a quizzical look, "Who's Shauna?"

"You know that girl who's always sitting at Four's table? That's Zeke's girlfriend."

Her eyes go wide, "I thought she was with Four?"

I shake my head, "No, she's definitely not with Four."

I do my best to keep my voice level so that she doesn't hazard any guesses towards Tobias.

"Then why are you always glancing at their table?"

I can't really come up with any excuses for it, so I just stay silent hoping she doesn't catch on.

"Please, Tris." Christina begs. "I swear that I won't tell anyone."

Glancing around the hallway, I see that we are indeed alone, and far enough between two lights for there to be no risk of any cameras to hear me.

I look Christina in the eye trying to determine how sincere she is. Will telling her really be the right decision? Will Tobias get angry with me if I do? Will he break up with me for it?

"I'd guess Four if he wasn't so scary..." she trails off as if she just realized something. Turning to me she says, "You're afraid people will think your rankings are favoritism. That's why you can't tell anyone until after initiation. It is Four."

I nod my head almost imperceptibly while trying to hide my expression. Every part of me is in shock. Have I really been that obvious or has Christina just been watching me too closely trying to determine my secret?

"I'm so sorry," Christina apologizes. "I shouldn't have pushed to find out. I should be surpressing my Candor curiosity, not fanning it."

Pulling my friend close, I wrap my arms around her. "It's okay, Christina. I understand," I tell her.

We stand there for a moment before I realize what hallway she pulled me to. Backing away, I start taking the familiar steps to one of the only three apartments I've entered, Tobias's.

Christina follows me like I expected her to, and when we stop in front of the door, I debate on even opening it. I should have consulted him before telling her, but now that I have, I feel like I should tell him immediately.