Thank you very much for the reviews! :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Academy.

CHAPTER 4

RPOV

I was happy when Friday came around. Not because we were close to the weekend – which I was happy about too, of course – but because I had World History this afternoon and that meant I'd see Dimitri again. And for longer than five minutes in the hallway.

It was crazy that I was so excited about this. But I didn't care.

I sat down in my seat near the window and looked at the door expectantly. Oh my God, why am I behaving like this? Act cool, Rose! Shaking my head at myself, I pulled out my notebook and started doodling to distract myself from the door, all the while wondering why I was so attracted to a guy I barely even knew.

"Hey, Rose."

I looked up at the sound of his voice and smiled. "Hi."

His hair was loose today. It fell to his shoulders and I couldn't help but wonder if it felt as soft and silky as it looked. Either way, he looked even hotter than usual.

Dimitri smiled back hesitantly. He sat down next to me and looked at the blackboard. Mr. Tanner wasn't here yet so I continued doodling.

"How's your first week been?" Dimitri suddenly asked.

Closing my notebook, I glanced back up at him. "So far so good. This is the first day I didn't get lost at school," I added proudly. "I can finally throw away my map."

He chuckled. "Good for you."

Mr. Tanner walked in and the students quieted down, taking their seats. Soon I was all caught up in Tanner's story again. He sure had a lot of imagination, and I was impressed by it.

After class, Dimitri and I walked side by side to our lockers. I ignored the people staring at us. Come to think of it, I was lucky Lissa hadn't caught me with Dimitri yet. Christian had, though, but I guess he hadn't mentioned it to his girlfriend.

"So, do you have plans this weekend?" Dimitri asked.

"I'm going to paint my bedroom tomorrow and hopefully I get to decorate it soon," I told him.

He nodded.

"I'd like to explore the woods, too," I continued. I hesitated for a moment, but told myself to suck it up and be brave. "I don't want to go alone, though, because I might get lost. You been to the woods before?"

Dimitri nodded again.

"Well, maybe you want to come with me? If you don't have anything to do this Sunday at least," I added quickly.

His eyes widened in surprise. "Y-you want me to come?"

"Sure," I said smiling. "If you want to."

"Okay," he said quickly. "I'll come."

My smile widened. "Great. I'll give you my address."

"Your parents won't mind?" he asked, uncertain.

"Of course not," I said reassuringly.

We exited the school and Dimitri walked me to my bike.

"So, uh, I'll see you on Sunday then?" he asked, a little nervous. Did he think I'd changed my mind already? How cute.

"Yeah. You know what, I'll give you my number," I said. "So you can text me how late you're coming over."

We exchanged our phone numbers. Getting on my bike, I said, "See you Sunday, comrade!"

He looked at me, confused.

I grinned at him. "That's my new nickname for you."

Waving at him, I rode off. My parents weren't home when I got there. I bet they were still at the golf course. I went upstairs to my room to get ready for my night out with Lissa and Christian. We were going to the movies tonight. I had a feeling it would be awkward because Christian would be there as well, but Lissa had invited me and I hadn't wanted to say no.

After I'd showered, I ate pizza and watched TV while I waited for Lissa and Christian.

"Thanks for inviting me," I said when they arrived. I took a seat in the back of the car and fastened my seatbelt. "It would've been a lonely night if it wasn't for you guys."

Lissa turned in her seat to look at me. "Oh, it's not a problem. Friday night is our movie night and I thought it'd be wonderful if you'd join us. So you two can spend time together to get to know each other. I want my new best friend and my boyfriend to get along after all," she added winking.

A look of panic crossed Christian's face and his eyes widened, but it was only brief.

"Sounds wonderful. Don't you agree, Christian?" I teased.

He glared at me from the rearview mirror, but didn't respond.

"Oh, we should find you a boyfriend!" Lissa suddenly exclaimed. She seemed overly excited by the thought. I cringed. "Then we can double date!"

"I'm good," I told her. "I don't want a boyfriend."

She looked surprised by my response. "You don't?"

I shrugged. "Not really. I mean, I just moved here. I'm not looking for a relationship."

"You don't have to be in a serious relationship," Lissa said. "You can date. Keep it casual."

I scrunched up my nose. "I don't like to date."

Lissa lookd helpless. "Oh, well…" She paused. "If you change your mind, I know a couple of guys you could go out with."

"Trust me, I'm not changing my mind," I reassured her.

A slow grin spread across Christian's face. "Adrian seems to like you. Why don't you get to know him a little better?"

I glared at him. Don't you dare, Christian. Don't. You. Dare.

"What?" he said. "It's just a suggestion."

"No, Adrian is a flirt," Lissa said, shaking her head. "He only dates. Very casual."

"It doesn't matter," I said. "I'm not interested in any guy at school."

Christian raised an eyebrow at me. "You sure about that?"

I cut him another look. If he'd bring up Dimitri, he would get hurt. And not just by me, but by Lissa as well if she found out Christian had helped me.

I gritted my teeth. "Yes. I'm quite sure."

He shrugged, but thre was a sly smile on his face. "Okay," he said slowly.

I was glad he let the subject go, but I realized Lissa would find out anyway. Eventually, she'd see me with Dimitri at school and I wasn't going to stop talking to him just because she didn't trust him. So maybe it was better to be honest with her now.

I decided to give it some thought during the movie. I could tell her afterwards; she'd have the weekend to warm up to the idea of me being friends with Dimitri. But I had to keep reminding myself that I didn't need to ask permission; I was capable of making my own choices.

When the movie was over and Christian had gone to use the restroom, I carefully broached the subject.

"So, uh, you remember Adrian being an ass to Dimitri because he'd bumped into me earlier this week?"

"Yeah," Lissa said cautiously. She stopped eating her popcorn. "What about it?"

"I felt like Dimitri didn't deserve all the crap Adrian gave him so I…" I paused, thinking what I should say next. "I apologized to him the next day."

"For what Adrian said?" Lissa asked.

I nodded.

"What'd he say?" she asked curiously. But before I could form a response, she frowned and continued, "Wait, this happened two days ago. Why are you telling me this now?"

"Because I promised you I wouldn't talk to him, but I did," I answered. "And he's…"

She raised an eyebrow and looked at me expectantly. "He's what?"

"He's actually a nice guy, Liss. Once you get to know him."

I could see from the look on her face she hadn't expected that response. "But you talked to him once. How could you know him?"

I bit my lip. "Well…"

Lissa gasped. "You're still talking to him?!"

"Not at the moment," I said dryly.

She cut me a look. "Rose, you know what I mean."

"I know," I said quickly. "And now you know that Dimitri is a decent guy-"

She snorted.

"Lissa," I said sternly. "Are you really going to be like the rest of them? Are you going to judge him while you don't even know what exactly happened with his father?"

She actually looked a little ashamed. But then she said, "You don't know what happened either."

I shrugged. "True. But I don't care."

"You should."

"Maybe," I said. "But I think he deserves a chance. Don't you agree?"

"I don't like it," Lissa answered.

"You don't have to like it," I told her. "I just told you because I don't want you to find out from Christian."

"From Christian?" she said, her eyes widening. "What do you mean? He knows?"

Shit. Did I just blow it completely?

"Maybe," I said slowly.

Just then, Christian appeared next to us, a smile on his face. That smile disappeared quickly, though, when he saw the disapproving look on Lissa's face and realized he was in trouble. Of course he knew immediately what it was about.

"Did you sell me out?" he exclaimed in outrage.

"It was an accident," I said carefully. "I didn't mean to. I'm sorry."

He sighed, frustrated. "I knew I shouldn't have helped you."

"You helped Rose?" Lissa exclaimed. "With what exactly?"

They argued the whole drive to my house and I couldn't help but feel like it was my fault. But I guess it was my fault. I made a mistake by bringing this up tonight. Christian stopped at my house. The arguing had ceased and now there was only silence – and a lot of frustration.

"Look, guys, I didn't want this to happen," I said. Looking at Lissa, I continued, "I know it isn't any of my business, but I don't think you should be mad at Christian. He just did what I asked."

"I agree with Rose on that one," Christian piped in. "You should not be angry at me. You should be angry at Rose."

I scowled at him and he smirked.

"You shouldn't be mad at me either," I said, ignoring Christian. "I'm my own person and I can make my own choices."

She seemed abashed so I added, "I know you only say this because you care, Liss, and you don't want me to get hurt. I get that. But I wouldn't talk to Dimitri if I thought – for one moment – that he'd hurt me. You have to trust me on this."

"Okay," she said at last. She sighed. "You're right. I can't tell you what to do. I'm sorry."

I smiled. "It's okay."

"Alright, now that's settled, you can get out of the car, Rose," Christian said, starting the engine. "I kind of want to go home now. Thank you for the lovely night. I've never had so much fun on our movie night before. It was amazeballs. See you at school."

That sarcastic little fucker.

"Right, see you at school, Chrissy," I said sweetly. He scowled at his new nickname and I grinned at him before getting out. "Good night, Lissa."

She smiled. "Night, Rose. Sweet dreams."

Waving, I watched them back out of the driveway before going inside.

DPOV

"What's up, Dimka? You've been quiet all day."

My older sister, Sonya, looked at me with concern. She came to visit today but so far I hadn't said much. It wasn't her fault, though. I was just not in the mood to talk.
Viktoria and I had had another fight this morning and she'd been sending glares into my direction ever since.

"Nothing," I muttered.

"Fine. Then talk."

I sighed. "About what?"

"Anything." She shrugged. "How's school?" I cut her a look and she made a face. "Wrong question, huh?"

"It's bearable," I said at last.

"Sounds better than earlier this week," Sonya said, giving me a small smile.

"You talked to Mama about how I'm doing at school?" I asked, arching my eyebrow. Really?

"Yeah, what's wrong about that?" she countered. When I didn't respond, she said, "Dimitri, you really got to do something about your attitude."

What?

I frowned. "What's wrong with my attitude?"

"You're so broody lately," Sonya responded. "I know juvie has been hard on you, but you're back home now. Pick up the pieces and move on."

"As if it's that easy," I muttered, crossing my arms. I knew she was right, but I didn't want to admit it.

"I know it's not easy," she continued, "but you have to if you want to make something of your life." She leaned over the kitchen table and nudged my arm. "How are you going to attract girls if you're so dark all the time?" she added playfully. "No girl likes that. Be more positive."

I didn't know why, but my mind went straight to Rose. She seemed to like me just fine. Or maybe she was pitying me… I didn't want to believe that, but sometimes I couldn't help but think that was the only reason she talked to me.

But would she really have invited me over if it was just that?

"What are you thinking?" Sonya asked. "I hope you're considering my advice." Then she grinned. "Or are you thinking about a girl?" she teased.

I was mortified. "No!"

She gasped. "You are!"

I shook my head vehemently.

"Who is she?"

I suppressed a sigh. "She's just a friend."

Sonya snorted.

"She is!" I insisted.

"Is she pretty?"

I was flustered. Why did my sister have to bring up girls? Seriously.

"Your face is getting all red so I'm guessing she is," Sonya said, grinning again. "Well, tell me more about her."

"There's nothing to tell."

Sonya crossed her arms. "Right. I don't believe you, Dimka."

"She's just a friend," I repeated. "We hang out sometimes. That's it."

"Are you hanging out with her outside of school?" she asked.

I didn't reply.

"So that's a yes?"

I kept ignoring her.

"I'm going to assume it's a yes."

Just then, my mother walked into the kitchen. She put her purse down on the table and hugged my sister.

"I'm so glad you're back, Sonya," she said, happy.

"You saw me two weeks ago, Mama," she answered.

"That's far too long."

Sonya was attending college. Even though it was only half an hour away, she lived in a dorm because she wanted to be more independent.

"So I just heard that Dimka's made a new friend," Sonya said, changing the subject.

"Stop it," I hissed.

"It's a girl!" Sonya gushed, ignoring me.

Mama looked at me in surprise. "Really, Dimka? Why didn't you tell me?"

I buried my face in my hands and groaned. "Because there's nothing to tell!" I started to get up. "Thanks a lot, Sonya!"

"Hey, there's no need to be angry," she said. "I'm just teasing you. Remember what I said, you have to be more positive in life if you want to-"

"Sonya, let him be," Mama said softly.

I sent another glare into my sister's direction as I passed her. She actually looked a little guilty.

"Dimka, wait," she called.

I ignored her and went upstairs to my room, slamming the door shut. I didn't know why I felt so angry, but that was all I felt lately…except for when I was with Rose. Why was that?

An hour or so later, there was a knock on my door. I'd cooled off by now, but I still didn't feel like talking. I opened the door anyway.

"What?" I asked when Sonya stood there, a pleading look on her face.

"I'm sorry, Dimka," she said quietly. "I went too far, but I was… I was just trying to lighten up the mood. Ever since you and Dad-" She cut herself off, shaking her head. "You're not laughing anymore. No one in this house is. I just wanted to have some fun, laugh a little bit. I didn't want to hurt your feelings, Dimka."

"You didn't," I muttered, opening the door a little wider so she could come in. "I don't know why I snapped. It's all I seem to do lately."

She nodded. "But it still wasn't fair of me to tell Mama about that girl…"

"It's fine."

She looked up at me. "Are you okay? I mean-"

"I know what you mean," I said quietly. "I'm fine. I just need to get used to being at home again. And school…"

"Aren't you happy to be back home?" she asked.

"Of course, but I wished I'd never had to leave in the first place."

"You know we tried everything-"

I gave her a reassuring smile. "I know. At least one good thing came from me going to juvie."

Sonya nodded again. "Right. I know Vika thinks otherwise, but you really did help this family. You made it all better for us and sooner or later Vika will realize that too."

"So she talked to you, too? About things at school?"

"Yeah. She's been calling me a lot lately…she's always crying."

Damn.

"I didn't say that to make you feel bad," Sonya said quickly when she saw the devastating look on my face. "All I'm saying is that she's only fourteen and she doesn't understand yet that what you did was to protect us. All of us. All she cares about now is her friends and being popular because that's what being a teenager is all about. At least, these days it is," she added with a frown. "But she'll stop throwing tantrums and once she does that she'll realize what you did for her."

"I hope so," I murmured.

"She will," Sonya vowed. "And if not, Karolina will talk some sense into her."

"She's already got enough on her plate," I said.

She'd given birth to her first son a little over a month ago. I hadn't seen him yet. Neither had I seen her since I'd come back. I knew she was busy with the baby, but I would have liked seeing her again. After all, it had been so long. I did get a call from her, however.

"She's going to be coming over soon," Sonya said. "You'll see."

I nodded, but I wasn't convinced. Maybe Karolina thought the same way about me as Viktoria did. Maybe Sonya was the only one who still believed in me.

Mama called us downstairs for dinner. Viktoria was nowhere to be seen. Apparently, she wasn't feeling very well and stayed in her room. I doubted that was the case. She probably wanted to avoid me after our fight this morning.

"How's it going at the pharmacy?" Sonya asked during dinner. "Is your back still hurting?"

Mama smiled. "No, I'm fine. Everything's fine."

Except everything was not fine – at least not at home. I knew my mother was suffering because of me and Vika. She hated to see us argue so much, but there was nothing she could do to make it better.

"I've got something to do tomorrow," I said when we were doing the dishes. Sonya had just left. It would probably be another week or two before we'd see her again. "I don't know when I'll be back. Is that okay?"

Mama looked surprised for a moment, but then smiled. "Are you going to see your new friend tomorrow?"

"Yeah," I said reluctantly.

Her smile widened. "Good. I'm glad you made a friend, Dimka."

I was relieved she didn't ask any questions about Rose.

"You two have fun tomorrow," she said. "But don't have too much fun." She winked at me. "If you know what I mean…"

I groaned, embarrassed. "Not you too, Mama."

"Relax, Dimka. I'm just joking."

I sighed. "Right. Don't worry, it's not like that."

Mama smiled at me knowingly. "As long as you believe, anything can happen."

Here you go. I hope you liked this chapter. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts! School is starting again in two days so I probably won't be able to update as often anymore, but I'll try to update at least once a week. Have a nice day/evening! :)