Chapter 2: Confessions
After the initial shock wore off, and Zoe's excitement had somewhat faded, I started to relax slightly. My mind was running through all the new complications that came with my little sister's arrival. I thought of the dangers of the mission and how much I didn't want Zoe exposed to such risks. Arrangements would have to be made to the rooming during our break at Clarence's, which reminded me that I couldn't risk spending the night in Adrian's warm embrace. In fact, I'd probably have to limit my time with my vamp boyfriend. That thought made my breath hitch, which Zoe noticed.
"Were you listening, Sydney?" Zoe had been rambling about her time in St. Louis.
"Sorry Zo it's very late and we are leaving for Cl- Mr. Donahue's tomorrow," I wondered how she was going to handle being in such close quarters with the Morori and dhampirs. If her attitude or feelings were anything close to mine when I was a junior alchemist it was going to be an interesting two weeks. Looking over at her I could tell she was struggling with the thought of staying in a house with the others.
"Syd, do we have to stay there? Will the house be big enough for all of us?" her voice was small.
"Even with two new guests, it won't be a problem. Eddie would offer to stay in the car if he thought that would make Jill more comfortable." I laughed at the thought. I realized too late that I was talking too fondly about my adoptive family. "Zoe it will be fine and one of the most frustrating things about our job is sometimes working closely with the moroi. Especially in this case. I promise it won't be that bad. We'll head out a little early so try to rest." With hopefully covering my tracks enough, I turned off the lights.
I fell asleep quicker than I thought I would, probably had something to do with all the driving and excitement the day brought. I had a mixture of relief and sorrow when I wasn't immediately pulled into a spirit dream. Relief because I knew Adrian needed his rest after all the sun he had today, but I really missed him.
I almost didn't notice when the spirit dream started and the location hadn't changed, just the amount of people. Adrian was smiling but looked guilty, and nervous. I ran into his arms knocking us both down.
"Glad to see me are you? It's only been maybe two hours." Adrian teased.
Really, it was only two hours? It felt much longer, that or I was becoming a lovestruck teenager. Honestly, I didn't care either way, I was happy just to be with him. Laying on his chest I stretched to meet his lips. Time was not an issue, it was just us wrapped in each other's arms.
It shocked me when he was the one to end the kiss. Still laying on top of him, I rolled off of him and sat up. I could only imagine what was troubling my vampire boyfriend when I noticed his furrowed brow and scrunched nose. He looked very cute, despite his worry at whatever he wanted to say.
"Adrian, you can tell me anything you know that right?" I reassured him. He did not look too convinced.
"Just don't panic, I know Zoe is with the group now, because my favorite dhampir told me." he ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breathe "Also I may have told her about us, and everything with Marcus and Alicia"
Ever since Russia and meeting Rose I have found myself at a loss for words more often than I am used to. The number of people in on my secret witchcraft and traitorous adventures was adding up at an alarming rate.
I took a deep breath and grabbed Adrian's hands, "Did she call you or something?"
"No, she is here to review the mission and make sure that the newbies settle in. She's spending Christmas with us." He forced a smile.
"When you say you told her everything, you don't mean magic and the breaking into the Alchemist archives do you?" I couldn't hide my fear in my voice.
"Sage, she caught me off guard and I was worried about Zoe and Rose is trained to get information. She's was very curious and not judgemental about anything. She seemed genuinely happy for us." he soothed.
I sighed and laid back, pulling on Adrian's hand to join me in the grass. Rose was going to be here for Christmas, most likely asking a million questions. Hopefully, she will be subtle, telling the whole group would be too much right now. She would also be the best ally if I'm found out. I hid my face in Adrian's chest and groaned, realizing that both Zoe and Rose will want one on one time leaving less time for Adrian and me.
We lay there in contemplative silence, he ran his fingers through my hair while tracing patterns on my arm draped over his side. It was so comfortable and soothing that I didn't notice falling asleep, or that Adrian had ended the dream until my alarm woke me up. Zoe was still fast asleep, I used this limited alone time to shower all the while mentally preparing for the long 'break'.
Zoe was sitting in the same position as last night when I came back from my shower. She seemed less excited and more anxious. I wanted to comfort her but anything I might say would just incriminate me in her eyes. There should be a way to help her come to an understanding. Almost wishing I had a way to break her tattoo so she could think for herself.
"Do you want to shower before we head downstairs? It might help calm your nerves. I promise it won't be that bad." I really hope I could keep that promise. Knowing Adrian and Rose I wasn't quite sure anymore.
"I'm fine, how are we getting to the house? I thought your car was vandalized." she was all business this morning.
"I'm not sure, the damage to Latte probably totaled the poor thing." I sighed, it wasn't much but it was mine. "We'll need a new one anyway with all the additions to the group."
I should have expected that Rose would be downstairs waiting for us. I also should have been more prepared for Jill's reaction to the legendary dhampir. Jill simultaneously cried, laughed and squealed for a full minute. Angeline looked like she was fighting the urge to do the same, while Eddie was laughing and waiting to embrace his best friend.
"Jilly I think it's time for a deep breath. Eddie get over here!" Rose was all smiles as she hugged the rest of her friends. She gave me a nod and a sly wink when she pulled back from Angeline. "We will have plenty of time for hugs and gossip at the old timer's place! Which we should be getting to about now"
"How are we all getting there? We lost our car in a freak accident?" I pointed out looking at our not so small group.
"Never fear oh practical one, for your savior is here!" Adrian called out from his car he had just pulled up in.
"How does that save us? We can't all fit in your car." I had to restrain myself from climbing in the passenger seat and driving off with him.
"Actually Eddie and the new guy will be taking the girls to the house in my rental, while we go pick out a new car for you guys" Rose tossed the keys to Eddie and glided over to Adrian's car.
"Rose the 'new guy' has a name," Angeline called over her shoulder as she went straight for the front seat.
"First one to tell me his full name gets a prize" Rose yelled back
"Neil Raymond," Zoe and Neil said at the same time, causing them both to blush and stammer over apologies.
"Well, you both get a prize, which we will bring back to you. But it's time to go, so see you soon and drive safe Castille" Adrian seemed eager for the groups to separate.
I helped load up the rental and pulled Zoe aside to make sure that she could handle going without me. "Zoe, are you going to be ok? I know that this will be hard and we shouldn't be that long."
"I'll be fine, it's the job right? Is it normal to be this nervous though?" Zoe answered honestly, which was a little shocking.
I smiled sincerely and pulled her in for a hug, "Of course it is. It gets easier, why don't you pick a room for us to share once you get to the house." She nodded in reply and climbed into the passenger seat. Angeline was told to sit in the back so Jill would be better protected.
Adrian and Rose were already in the Ivashkinator waiting for me. Without starting an argument that I knew Adrian would love to have I got in sitting in the passenger seat next to Rose who was in the middle.
"I will not drive this car until you move little dhampir! I want to sit by Sydney" Adrian pouted.
"I want the full story from Sydney with no interruptions from you, you're lucky I even agreed to let you come along," Rose said as she turned her full attention on me.
"Adrian it's fine, maybe Rose can help us have some alone time during the break if we're nice." I laughed as his eyes lit up and his smile stretched across his face. "So you want the full story? I'm guessing you also want proof of my magic too." Rose nodded eagerly waiting to hear everything from my perspective.
As Adrian drove to the dealership I told Rose how I started my magic with Mrs. Twillenger and the first time I used said magic. I also went into detail about how my feelings started to grow for Adrian which was a little awkward with him sitting in the car, listening and throwing in his own dramatic anecdotes. We pulled up to the dealership when I finished explaining the missing parts of the Alicia and Marcus events.
"Somehow I have more questions but I'll let them go for now. Honestly, I'm so happy for you both. It's going to be difficult and risky with Zoe here but you have my full support, which means you have Lissa's support too" Rose said with a full smile on her face as she hugged me from the side.
"Rose, are you sure? I mean I know that this might be the least surprising or life-altering news you've heard, but this is still taboo." I was not expecting that reaction.
"Syd, I have no issues at all with you and Adrian, aside from the risks of your cult - I mean alchemists. Also, I suspected at Sonya's wedding that there was something going on between you two. Now let's get you a new practical car for Christmas." Rose started pushing me out the door as a clear sign that this part of the conversation was over. "You still have to show me some magic later!"