The Iron Soldier: A FourTris Divergent Story

Chapter 11

"I'd like to thank everyone who came out to help the Children's hospital today. Whether you are a volunteer, a sponsor or just someone who came out to show your support, we greatly appreciate you being here." The announcer spoke over the chaotic noise of the crowd. "And let's give a big hand to all our players who made this year's charity softball game a big success. The game may be over, but we have plenty more fun in store for you. I'd like to remind everyone that all the food venders here today are graciously donating all profits to our cause. So make sure to grab a burger while you browse the craft fair. There are children's activities set up in the far corner of the field and very shortly we will have our brave volunteers stepping up to receive their kisses. But we have a little twist this year. It was brought to our attention that more people may be willing to bid if their identity could be kept secret. So this year, we have set up private booth. Anyone wanting to stay anonymous may request the use of the booth and the individual you are bidding on will be blindfolded. This offers a great opportunity to kiss that girl or boy you've always wanted to without any repercussions."

"What a great idea!" Christina is ecstatic. "I bet a lot more people will be braver with their money this way.

"Yeah, great." I'm not optimistic about this new change.

The announcer is still babbling on about the cotton candy game while we pick up the softball equipment. "I can't believe the game ended in a tie. I really hate that." Christina murmurs while tossing the catchers helmet in the canvas bag.

She knows I feel the same way. I don't even have to reply. "It's a stupid rule if you ask me."

"Well, it is only for charity. It's not like there has to be a winner."

"But what is the point of a game if there's no winner?" I grab the last bat and swing it over my shoulder.

"Whoa, watch were you're swinging that thing." I jump. Four is standing behind me, holding the equipment bag from his team.

Christina giggles. She must have seen him coming. "I have to go meet Will before the auction. Be right back." She takes off running out of the ball field. I'm not fooled by her hasty retreat. Does she really thing leaving the two of us alone for a few seconds is going to result in anything?

"I think some of the equipment got mixed up." Four slides the canvas bag off his shoulder and pulls out a catcher's mitt. I now have two of these."

"Oh. Thanks." I reply as he adds the glove to my bag.

"And this is mine." He takes a step closer and my heart erupts in my chest. His hand comes to rest on the grip of the bat I nearly hit him with.

His index finger runs gently over my knuckles as I release my hold on the bat. I'm desperate to regain my composer. "You brought your own bat?"

"I had to. It brings me luck."

"Not today it didn't." I smile, remembering the last out of the game.

"Yeah well, the day's not over. Maybe something else good will happen today." He picks up the equipment again and slings it over his right shoulder, then grabs mine, hanging it on his left side.

I protest immediately. "I can get that." But he's already walking away toward the equipment shed in the parking lot. I have to sprint to catch up. I'm not ready for our conversation to be over. "So what are you doing now? You going to hang out and enjoy the festivities?"

He shakes his head. "No, I'm heading to work shortly."

"Oh. You're not even donating a kiss?" It was out before I even knew I was going to say it.

He laughs. "Are you kidding? The only people that do that kind of thing are just starved for attention."

I frown. "Or, they are just trying to earn some money for the hospital."

He stops walking and looks at me with that deep stare of his. "Oh, that's right. You're doing it aren't you? So I guess being the top earner at a $10,000 donation isn't enough."

My eyes close and I exhale loudly. "I didn't bring in anything. My sponsor backed out."

Now he looks amused. "Don't tell me. Rich boyfriend problems again?"

My arms fly up in defense. "He's not my boyfriend. He has no right to treat me like I am his girlfriend. That includes kissing me without permission."

"Is that what happened? I saw the two of you making out, and the next moment he's on his ass on the ground."

"Making out! Is that what it looked like?" Oh my God, I'm horrified imagining what onlookers were thinking.

"Only for a very short moment." He laughs briefly. 'I'd offer to kick his ass for you, but I get the feeling you've got the situation under control."

Four continues his journey toward the shed a dozen feet away. I can only watch him walk away. I have to keep my eyes on the ground to hide the color in my cheeks. When I look up from under my lashes, he's walking back toward me. He's holding his bat in his right hand as he swings at random dandelions, sending them flying into the air. "You really going to do it then?" He asks me.

"Do what?"

"Let some stranger kiss you for a couple bucks?"

"I need to donate something. If I wasn't so darn broke, I'd just donate my own money. Damn, I can't believe I lost the hospital $10,000."

"Well. If it makes you feel any better, I think you did the right thing."

"You do?"

"Yeah. Someone has to put these stuck up rich kids in their place. They are so used to getting what they want, they just assume they can have anything." The side of his mouth turns up slightly. "You let him get away with a kiss now, he's going to want more later. You did the right thing Tris."

"Thanks Four. I needed to hear that."

He smiles again. "I've got to get to work. Good luck at the auction."

I take a step back, "Thanks again. I'll see you later."

His face lights up. "So it's I'll see you later now? What happened to goodbye?"

I push my lips together for a moment. "Goodbye doesn't seem very realistic anymore. We just keep running into each other. I think see you later is more appropriate now."

He nods. You're probably right. "I'll see you later Tris." He walks away as I hear the announcer call for all auction volunteers to meet by the bandstand.