It had been a nice Christmas. Quiet and comfortable just the way I liked it. Court never felt like home, not even when I was young,
but it was where my parents had always had their home base.
I was looking forward to this next week at the lodge. I always did. Traveling to Idaho the week after Christmas was our only real family tradition. The month of Christmas was crazy for my parents with so many different people coming and going from court. They didn't take any chances with Lissa, Christian, or their family so it was high stress for them all month.
This was probably the last time I would be able to join them. The next year and where my assignment would take me was an uncertainty that weighted heavily on me. I needed to have some fun but I knew most of my friends wouldn't be at the lodge this week. Most Dhampirs either went home to loving Mothers or stayed at school with the reality that their parents were too busy working to entertain them.
The best part of this week for me was all the attention I knew I would get from my parents. I was incredibly lucky to have parents that were involved in my life on a daily bases. They called to check on me practically everyday and often Skyped with Alex and me all the time. But, getting to do normal things like watch TV or eat dinner with them gave me normalcy that I didn't get the rest of the year. More than anything I wanted them to be proud of me. I wanted my parents to feel like everything they have done for me was worth it. I hated the idea of disappointing them, especially my father.
Mom had pulled me aside earlier today to give me the great new that my Grandfather, Abe, would be joining us for part of the week. She was hesitant to tell Alex because apparently he was coming along to help handle some kind of sensitive situation. My Mother wasn't sure how much time we would actually get to spend with him. She didn't say more on the subject but I was always happy to see Abe no matter the reason.
The flight in was incredibly early in the morning but being on a night schedule made it an easy trip. Catching some sleep on the flight I was excited to get in our room. My parents had always gotten us adjoining rooms but the reservations got mixed up this year and my brother, Alex, and I were across the hall from them this year. If I wasn't rooming with Alex I would have enjoyed the added privacy.
My brother Alex and I have always had a special relationship even though we are completely different. Alex has a huge personality, everyone loves him. He has this amazing confidence that has always allowed him to make friends with anyone Dhampir or Moroi. One day his ability to adapt will make him an invaluable guardian but right now it meant our room would be full of his friends. Alex's popularity was endearing but it could also be annoying.
I have always felt overly protective of Alex. It's hard for me to trust people or let them get too close to me. Alex has always been the one I let in. He knows where we come from and I hope he never forgets.
