Lissa constantly tried to get me out of my room that first day of me locking myself up and away from everyone. The second and third day she only bothered me during meals. On Saturday, she must have found a spare key or had someone pick the lock, because she had gotten into my room and woke me. I looked at my alarm clock and groaned. Was she out of her mind? It was almost six. I usually slept until eight. I hadn't gotten up this early since I was back at the academy. Still I sat up and raised an eyebrow at her.
"Liss, what are you doing?" I asked.
"I told you, Rose," she replied with a laugh. "I was getting you up early so we could go shopping and get you an awesome party dress so you can look hot on your birthday even while you get sloppy drunk."
I think she said that all in one breath. I couldn't be sure though, but I did like the idea of going shopping. Well, and getting drunk. Getting drunk would be really good about now. I was still mad at her though, but I figured that I could use this trip to find out why she did what she did. Then I can be angry accordingly. I didn't say that though. No, I just got out of bed, grabbed me a nice outfit, and went off into my bathroom to take a nice shower. When I got out, I put up my hair up into a ponytail and went to grab my stake. Lissa, however, snatched it away. I raised an eyebrow at her.
"You're not on duty today," she said. "It's your twenty-first birthday, Rose, and you will have nothing but fun."
"Then who's going to be guarding you?" I asked.
"Well Zane, of course," she said. "Oh and we found a temporary fill-in for you. Angelia Floros was kind enough to take over for a few days so you can have a break."
I stared at her blankly. Zane Novak had been my partner for a little over two years, but I didn't know anything about him. He was quiet and kept to himself, but he was efficient and lethal. He had blonde hair in a military cut and green eyes. He was a lot shorter than Dimitri but slightly taller than me. I heard of Angelia only through rumors. She was Greek, around Dimitri's age. She was supposed to be one of the best, but I never worked with her before. I eyed Lissa for a moment before I gave in... well sort of. I still snatched my stake back and holstered it.
"I'm still taking it with me," I said.
"Fine, for now," she said.
I opened my mouth to ask what she meant, but she grabbed me by my and dragged me out of my room. We were practically running to the car. I couldn't help but groan when I saw we were taking the black Expedition. I mean the car was cool and all, but I had an awesome red Saleen S7 in the garage. I love my car. I always drive it. I didn't have time to complain, because Lissa basically shoved me into the back seat through the door that was just hanging open. I slid over so Lissa could get in and looked up to see Zane was already in the driver seat. Angelia wasn't there yet. So we had to wait. Zane started the car and turned on the radio. I took the time to finally confront Lissa about Dimitri and Tasha.
"Why did you invite them?" I asked her quietly
"I was talking to Tasha on the phone about the wedding and had Christian inviting people for your party," she explained. "Tasha overheard him inviting Eddie and Mia. She sorta invited herself, and you know me, Rose. I couldn't just up and tell her no, not that I didn't try. I did. She just didn't hear me. They were supposed to come tonight, though. I was planning on telling you at breakfast that day. I'm sorry."
"Why didn't you tell me after the phone call?" I asked, still very confused.
"You were asleep, and I didn't think Tasha would be able to get a plane that fast," she said.
I nodded and we fell silent as Angelia finally got into the car. The ride was a little long, but there was no tension between Lissa and me. I stared out the window, my thoughts going where I didn't want them to go. I didn't fight it, though. I let the images of Dimitri flood. I hated myself for it, but I couldn't stop it. I loved him once. There was no way I could deny that. As much as I wanted to, I had never been able to forget. We pulled up to the mall, and Zane parked the car. We all got out and I looked at Angelina for the first time. She had bright red hair chopped in a bob and looked to be around mine and Lissa's age. She was very pretty and had sapphire orbs to kill for. We introduced ourselves briefly but then my attention was dragged off to shopping by Lissa.
We stopped at one of Lissa's favorite stores where she instantly started throwing dress after dress at me. I laughed and tried to put some back without her noticing. Sadly, she caught me about ninety percent of the time and just threw the dresses back at me and then about fifty more. By the time she shoved me into one of the dressing rooms, we both cracking up. I have no clue how many dresses I tried on before Lissa started squealing taking the rest of the dresses away. I hadn't done more than glance at my reflection with each dress, but at Lissa's reaction, I had to get a better look.
The dress was a black leather halter tux, and it was gorgeous but expensive. I saw the price tag as I went to take it off and nearly choked. It was over seven hundred. Sadly, Lissa refused to let me find a cheaper dress. She had said she could afford it just fine and that was going to give every single man in the club we would be going to heart attacks. Then she joked about if Christian died from a heart attack because of how hot I'd look she'd kill me. She was going to take me to go shopping for shoes, but I declined. I had a pair of cute flats that would go perfectly. We bought some other things and then decided to head home.
"So, who's all coming?" I asked as we were driving home.
"Me, Christian, Eddie, Mia, Dimitri, Tasha, Zane, Angelia, and your mother," she said. "Of course Zane and Angelia aren't partying with us but they're still coming."
I nodded and fell silent. When we got back to the house, we had just enough time to get ready. I hurried off to my room to change. I got into my gorgeous new dress, and then ransacked my room to find my cute little flats so I could slip those on. I put on my jewelry and make-up and did up my hair. By the time I was done, Lissa was waiting outside my door. I put my stake in my purse and then walked into the hall. Lissa and I walked down together to find that my mother, Dimitri, Tasha and Christian were already standing there. I avoided looking at Dimitri and just kept my attention on Lissa and Christian.
"Where's Mia and Eddie?" I asked.
"Meeting us there," Christian replied, kissing Lissa softly on the lips.
I nodded and let him and Liss lead us outside. I expected to find the Expedition waiting for us but in its place was limo. Zane and Angelia were standing beside it at full attention. I hurried inside with a squeal, ignoring the amused chuckles coming from my friends. This was going to be a kick-ass birthday.
I have a couple links in my profile including Rose's room, Rose's birthday ensemble, and the song that inspired this story. Take a look if you guys are interested. Thank you for all the amazing reviews.
