Doris Day—'Dream A Little Dream Of Me'
Eric
I walk through the compound to the control room. I feel so strange tonight—uneasy and I just can't shake it. I'm not sure why. I watch the screens pass by with not much activity. It's a Thursday night and there wouldn't be. Tomorrow is a different story.
The screens flash to the Chasm and I see someone standing at the railing. I feel drawn to her for some reason. Before I even realize it, I'm walking down the Pit stairs and heading for her. She's seated on the ground now with her arms wrapped around the middle section of the railing. Her figure is lovely, her long, golden hair soft and inviting.
I walk closer and lean up against the rail. She's still staring at the water below as if in a trance. I look to her face and I smirk when I realize that I've been checking out the Stiff. She's changed a lot since she got here. She's grown taller and much more appealing than the little girl she used to be... but she was always pretty. The last I heard was that she chose a position at the spa in cosmetology. That's such a drastic change from what she grew up with but by looking at her, it's obvious she's made some serious changes.
"Hey there, Stiff," I say and she jumps. "Everything alright?" I ask surprised.
"Hello, Eric," she says softly.
I repeat my previous question and she shrugs a shoulder but doesn't really talk to me.
"Why so quiet?" I ask.
"I think my boyfriend would be upset to hear that I've been talking to another man," she tells me.
"Who's your boyfriend?" I inquire.
"Four," she replies.
Her voice sounds hoarse and I ask her about it.
"I may have overdone it at practice today," she responds.
"What kind of practice?" I question confused.
"The jazz club, I'll be singing," she tells me.
"Oh?" I smirk completely intrigued. "I never would've thought you'd sing."
She looks at me but her hair covers half of her face. I reach to push it aside and she flinches.
"I'm not going to hurt you, Stiff," I chuckle but the laugh in my throat dies when I see the black eye she's sporting. "What happened?" I inquire.
"Nothing," she replies defensively moving her hair back.
"Tris," I say firmly. "Who did that to you?"
"In the ring," she tells me getting up. I watch her walk away barefooted. I'm absolutely entranced by her motion.
I grin. I'm going to have to see her tomorrow when they open.
*****
I arrive just as the doors allow access. It's not too busy yet but it's opening night and my office is a floor down. The owner asked for permission to rent the space on Fridays and Saturdays. They set up and tear down but this place has been completely transformed. It's a glass hall that we use for special occasions. Now, it's a jazz club with tables set up, a dance floor, and a bar. The stage looks to be prepped with several instruments including a grand piano.
I sit at the bar but I've got a view of the stage from here. I order a beer and notice the crowd is starting to fill in. There's some recorded jazz currently playing on the speakers but I'm looking forward to the live performances. We've never done this in Dauntless before and I'm actually pretty excited—most of all I'm looking forward to the little Stiff's performance.
I glance around in search of her. When the owner applied for permission, I'd heard they were looking for some musical talent. I'd even seen posters advertising in the Pit. I can't believe out of all the people that applied, the Stiff got it. Maybe she was the only one who tried out...
When the room is bustling with people, I see some guys walking out to play—a pianist, bass player, trumpet, drums, and vocals. I'm in awe when I see her. She looks incredible in a long black dress. It hits the floor and drags when she walks. I can see her wearing high heels. She has her makeup and hair done expertly. Her hair is still covering her black eye. I hope her opponent looks worse... I notice Four come in and take a seat at a table nearby.
She welcomes everyone and the pianist begins to play some jazz, then the others. She starts singing and I'm absolutely floored. She's incredible. It's a traditional song—one I've heard before. But her version is fantastic—better than any other variations. Her rendition is sultry. I'm just in awe of her voice. Who would've thought a former Stiff could sound like that... or look so stunning?
I come back every night. I notice their following increases with each performance. More people come and order drinks, some dance. Several go to Erudite for dance lessons just to be able to learn the styles. I'm impressed. This little mobile show has become quite popular. As I walk through the Pit, it's all people can talk about.
*****
I'm struggling to sleep one night—thoughts riddled with something I shouldn't be thinking about. I end up in the control room again. The screens flash to the Chasm and I see her there once more. I smirk as my feet take me towards her. It's as if I can't help but gravitate in her direction.
I take the seat beside her. Her arms are draped over the railing as she sits on the floor, legs dangling into the Chasm. I notice that she's barefoot again and I remember she chose the single apartment just around the corner from the Chasm. She's staring at the water once more.
"What's on your mind, Stiff?" I ask her.
She jolts at my words.
"Just trying to clear my mind," she admits softly. "It's quiet here—relaxing. I could use a little peace."
"We're not Amity," I point out.
She doesn't respond. I reach for her and she flinches.
"What's the matter, Stiff?" I question. "Still have those former fears of contact?"
"Something like that," she frowns.
"Tris?!" Four shouts.
She flinches again. But she climbs up and leaves my side. Four stares at me angrily. I match his gaze—lucky guy. She leaves with him.
I sigh and stare at the water.
Over time, I become absolutely addicted to that place. I'm here every day they're open. I watch her costume change along with the music. She's always looking exquisite—always gorgeous, oftentimes vintage. Her makeup is flawless her hairstyles match the atmosphere. It feels like we've gone back in time. She's my little escape from reality. The music varies as well. She sings from lounge style music to swing and everything in between. The range is impressive and intriguing. I adore the constant changes, the mood of the atmosphere.
I often go to the Chasm in search of her. I crave those few private, stolen moments I get with her. Sometimes she speaks softly to me, others she's quiet. I love just being in her presence. The companionship is something I've never experienced before and I crave it.
As time passes, I notice the music becomes more dark, slow... almost depressing this weekend.
Natalie Cole & Nat "King" Cole—'Unforgettable'
She sings a rendition of Unforgettable and I almost feel like it's meant for me, drawing me in. Then... Dream a Little Dream of Me and I sense as if she's speaking directly to me. I notice Four appearing irate during the show. I stay until they close up and Four quickly escorts her out. She keeps her head down as he speaks to her.
I return home completely uneasy and unable to sleep. I toss and turn but I just can't shake this feeling. I notice it's late but not lights out time yet.
I decide to see if I can try my luck to find her. I go down to the Chasm to see her there, standing at the railing again. She's barefoot once more and she's looking down at the water. But this time... I notice something different as I approach. She's on the far side of the railing, holding on and leaning forward. She sees me, she frowns... and lets go. I rush and grab her hand.
"I've got you, Stiff," I tell her.
"Just let me go," she sobs. She releases my hand but I hold her firmly by the wrist.
"I won't let you go," I insist. I grasp her better as she dangles below. I haul her small frame up over the railing and stand her up. I support her in my arms as she struggles just to remain upright. She cries while I hold her. I push her hair out of her face to discover that she's covered in bruises and she has a busted lip. I pick her up in my arms and carry her, rushing her to the infirmary. I pace as they take care of her.
Pam steps out of the private room she's been placed in. "She's been abused," she tells me gently what I've already assumed. "She's severely depressed."
"How bad is she physically?" I ask biting my nail in nervousness.
"She's covered in bruises—some old, some new. There's a few cuts—busted lip, scratches. She won't say a word," she admits.
"It was Four," I tell her.
I call security and get him hauled to the holding facility. I stay in her room with her for the night. She's sound asleep—the only reason she doesn't protest my touching her. I hold her hand and rest my head on her bed as I sit in the chair beside her.
She wakes in the morning and tells me nothing. I convince her to eat but she mostly picks at her food. I tell her where I put her boyfriend. She doesn't reply—doesn't seem to care or be concerned about anything. I spend the day with her. I hold her hand. I talk to her. I wipe her tears as she cries. I tell her how much I enjoy her music and she actually smiles a little. I stay with her until the next morning.
"I have to go to work," I tell her. "You're staying here. I have someone from Amity coming to talk to you. Besides her, I'll have to be called to approve any visitors. Is there anyone you want to grant permission to come see you?"
"My friends and co-workers," she shrugs. "My band if they come."
"Alright," I reply. "You're staying here for a while."
She nods.
"I'll see you soon," I tell her kissing her temple. She flinches at first. "I'll never hurt you," I whisper before I kiss her again.
I tell the staff to watch her. Dana is just arriving and she was off yesterday. She asks what's going on.
"She's suicidal," Pam says softly.
Dana looks as if she's been struck. I've never seen her so concerned.
"She will not be released. All guests will be cleared through me first. I want guards posted and she's forbidden to leave," I tell them.
"We can't just put her on lockdown," Pam shakes her head.
"You can if I order you to," I snap. "She remains here until further notice and she will be monitored."
Dana frowns but nods.
I go to my apartment and shower, then breakfast. I have Ryan join me in the holding facility. Four's brought into the room for an interrogation.
"The cuffs aren't necessary," I tell the guards. They remove them and stand back. Four rubs his wrists.
"I didn't think you'd turn into your father," I say.
He purses his lips. "I don't know what you're talking about," he replies flatly.
"You will not touch her again. Your relationship is over," I announce.
"You can't do that," he shouts angrily.
"He just did," Ryan laughs mockingly.
Four seethes at me.
"We know what you've been doing to her. It stops now. You will not approach her. You stay away from her. Do not even look at her or I'll make you Factionless," I spit.
He looks away from me angrily.
"Are we finished here?" he questions mockingly.
"With talk yes," I reply easily. "Now you can fight someone your own size."
"What? Are you going to have the guards hold me down while you and Ryan take turns?" he snarls.
"Nope. Just you and me in a fair fight," I respond monotonously.
He laughs. "This should be easy. I beat you last time," he mocks. Little does he know that a lot has changed since initiation.
"I don't sit on my butt in front of a screen all day," I point out cracking my knuckles as I round the table.
He rises and goes for a punch that I easily block. I beat him senseless and instruct the guards to drag his sorry butt down the cell block and dump him into his cell.
"Not so smug now," Ryan taunts as he's getting hauled away.
"Two weeks," I tell the guards.
"You're seriously letting him stay?" Ryan questions.
"We'll see if he's changed in solitude," I reply.
I workout in the gym taking my further aggression out on the bag. I shower again and visit Tris. She starts when I enter the room. She was staring out the window. I walk over to her and reach out for her face. She flinches at first.
"Baby, I will never hurt you," I tell her. I kiss her forehead.
She sighs softly but she's frowning. "What happened to your hands?" she asks.
"I beat the crap out of Four," I tell her.
She meets my eyes and it's the first time she's ever done that. I thread my hand through her hair and kiss her. She turns away from me but I kiss her cheek anyway.
"I won't hurt you," I insist.
I kiss her again.
"Did you talk to the counselor?" I question.
"She's nice," she replies. "Can my grandfather come?" she asks.
"Of course," I respond.
"Tell Dana. She'll get him here," she says softly.
"Alright," I nod. "I'm going to lunch and then work. I'll see you after."
"Okay," she whispers.
I try to kiss her lips a second time and she pecks me. I can't help the smile on my face. I'm falling deep. "I love you," I tell her. "I won't ever let you go."
She meets my eyes again and they're clearer, more focused. She's not dazed today. I kiss her again and she responds. "I'll see you soon," I whisper. I peck her once more because I'm so addicted to her.
"Goodbye," she says softly.
I relay the message to Dana and leave to lunch, then work. I go to dinner and come to see her. An older Erudite man who resembles her father steps out of her room.
"Eric?" he asks me.
"Yes," I nod.
"Thank God for you being there for her," he says reaching out to shake my hand.
I meet him and he smiles sadly at me. He explains who he is—her grandfather.
"I hear you take good care of her," he tells me.
"I'm trying to," I admit.
"Good. She needs a nice guy," he says.
I smile at that.
We say our goodbyes and I enter her room. She's wearing regular clothes not the hospital gown and there's a bag for her. Christina must've brought that.
I stride right up to her and hold her. "I missed you," I whisper.
She cries in my arms. "Why couldn't it have always been you?" she asks.
"I'm sorry I took so long," I tell her. I kiss her and she lets me. "You're mine now."
She flinches.
"And I will never hurt you. You don't need to fear me," I tell her meeting her eyes.
"Okay," she whispers. "I want to go home."
I purse my lips. "I don't know about that," I tell her hesitantly.
"I won't do it again," she defends.
I waver. I keep seeing her giving up and I pull her to my chest in fear of ever letting her go. "I don't want you alone," I admit.
"I could get a roommate," she shrugs.
"Move in with me," I say.
"I'm not doing that," she shakes her head.
"Why not?" I question.
"Marriage first," she replies.
I nod.
"I've got a spare room," I offer. She wavers. "We could set some ground rules."
She nods, "No sex till marriage?"
"Okay," I agree.
"Separate beds?" she inquires.
I nod.
"No sexual touching," she states. "No lounging around in bed together. My room is my room."
"Okay," I agree.
"I'm only agreeing because I know I need help," she says. "And you help me."
I smile at that. She smiles back.
I have her things moved and she stays in my spare room. I respect her boundaries.
By Friday I put a ring on her finger and call her grandfather to marry us. I'm gentle with her—always gentle.
"I won't ever let you go," I whisper into the night.