One

December 25, 1993

Since learning she was pregnant, Janine Hathaway had been assigned to court. She didn't mind the role. She was able to have an apartment for herself and Rose. There were more than enough people to watch Rose when needed. Janine felt like she needed people to watch her daughter more often than a mother should.

Entering her apartment, she was greeted by the sound of Christmas specials playing on the television. Sasha Vann, a nineteen year old court guardian, was bouncing Rose on her hip while singing along to The Year Without a Santa Claus. Sasha turned at the sound of the door shutting, a smile on her face. "Look little Rose, mama's home."

"Mama!" Rose squirmed in Sasha's arms until she was handed to Janine.

She held her daughter for a minute, giving her a quick hug and kiss. "Thank you for watching her. How did everything go?"

"All was well. Rose is a good baby." Rose was currently clinging to her mother's leg, wanting to be held again. "I love watching her. I'll be sad to leave her when I start my new assignment next week."

"I'll be sad to see you go." Janine picked Rose up again, settling her daughter on her hip. "Rose adores you."

"Rose is the most popular baby at court. I'm certain that you'll be able to find more people to watch her."

Janine gave a small smile. "I have yet to run out of volunteers."

"Will you maintain a position at court?"

"No. I miss being out in the field. I plan to send Rose to school when she is four."

Sasha smiled, touching Rose's cheek. "Do you know where you will send her?"

"I haven't decided yet."

"St. Vladimir's in Montana is a good Academy. That's where I grew up."

Janine looked at Rose, rocking her on her hip. "Was your mother a guardian?"

"No," Sasha replied quietly. "She lived in a commune and died giving birth to me." She forced a smile again. "Anyway, St. Vladimir's was a good place to grow up."

"Thank you. I'll keep it in mind."

They stood there for a few moments in silence. "Well, I should get going. Let me know if you want me to watch her again before I leave."

"I will."

"Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas."