Divergent University

Chapter 73

Tris's POV:

Parker gloomily puts food in the grocery cart.

"PJ, why the long face?" I ask.

"Because I want to see Daddy," he says.

"And how come every time we ask you about that day, you just shut down and you get over emotional."

I ignore their statements.

"Ice cream is good right?" I say.

"I don't want to talk about ice cream! I want my Daddy!" she exclaims.

"Tris?"

I turn around.

"Tobias," I say.

"Daddy!"

Parker and Crystal hug him.

"Mommy wouldn't let us see you," Parker says.

"I don't blame her," he says his voice cracking. "Why don't you guys go choose the candy you want?"

He hands them a ten dollar bill.

They scurry off to the candy aisle.

"Tris," he says. "I'm sorry."

I feel tears trickle down my face.

"I know you hate me," he says.

He grabs my hand and I flinch.

"I would never do anything to get you on purpose," he says. "I don't remember what happened. I-It's just not clear."

He sounds like he's lying but I know he's not. I'm just too stubborn to believe him.

I don't say anything.

"Please, I'm sorry," he says. "Talk to me, Beatrice."

A lump grows in my throat.

He said my name.

My full first name.

"Tobias. It's not something you can forget so easily," he says.

"Oh believe me I know."

I realize Tobias was beaten half his life.

"I just need time. Away from you," I say.

"Tris..."

"I need to breathe. To think."

He's silent.

"You're pregnant," he says.

I look at him.

He smiles weakly.

"I'm guessing you were planning on not telling me."

I bite my lip.

"Tris," he says.

"What?!" I yell. "You expected me to tell you after you hit me! Tobias... God help me."

He looks at me, his eyes sparkle with tears.

"I'm sorry."

"Is that all you can say?"

He kisses me.

Long, slow, and softly.

I pull back.

I turn away.

"I had to," he says.

Crystal and Parker come back.

"You can take them for the day and you have to bring them back to Christina's in the morning," I say. "Promise me you won't..."

"On my life."

I nod.

I kiss Parker and Crystal on their cheeks.

"Don't give your daddy a hard time okay?"

"Okay, mommy."

I smile at them.