A.N: Hey Guys!!!

So here come chapter 6 and i made it EXTRA LONG for you. For the Dimitri's lover out there, you'll find out more in next chapter I promise.

I'm also working on a play list for that story (some of you requested it) but I won't start posting it before a couple of chapters not to spoil the storyline.

I want to take a minute here to thanks all my reviewers, you are really the one hat keep me going. I also want to mention Jess my beta for doing such a fantastic job.

Well don't forget to review and tell me what you think ;-)

Disclaimer: I don't own VA or its characters…dang!!

Chapter 6:

When I woke up that morning it took me a second to realize what my goal was for today . . . The Revelation.

I groaned as I got out of bed. "Who would've thought that doomsday was today?" I asked no one in particular as I tried to find my way to the bathroom. I always had so much energy when I woke up, but recently it was exhausting just to get out of bed. I would have loved to blame it on the pregnancy, but even if I was far from being an expert, I knew that it was way too early to feel this kind of side effects.

No, I knew that the tiredness that I was feeling now was only mental, I had a lot to deal with, and I had no clue how to deal with any of it. Yep, everyday my life found a new way to suck, and boy, it was creative!!

After a long shower I felt a bit more like myself already. Was I ready to face them all and reveal my pregnancy? Of course not, but I found serenity in the fact that it was inevitable. I hoped that my parents would arrive at the latest possible time today, because even if what I had to tell them was inevitable, I could still grab few more hours of normalcy. I couldn't say I was exactly eager to see the deception and anger in my parent's eyes, or the pain and abandonment coming from Lissa.

I took a deep breath and plastered a smile on my face before entering the staff commons of the Court. I knew I could've taken my breakfast with Lissa, but I was already above the rules on so many differently levels. At least I could do one thing like the others, plus it would stop Lissa from trying to find out why I came back, now that her pleasure to have me back has worn off.

"Hathaway . . . Come this—way," Eddie said with a wide grin as he gestured to the empty seat across from him.

I chuckled, shaking my head, "You're a real poet Castille, what a shame to have your talent wasted here."

"Oh well . . ." he shrugged dismissively and took a sip of coffee. "At least I get to enjoy your staggering beauty on a day to day basis."

"You're right," I agreed with a wink while pouring myself a hot cup of black coffee. "It makes it all worthwhile."

We both chuckled. I remembered then how much I liked to be with Eddie, this carefree friendship always felt good and peaceful. I quickly glanced around, it wasn't that I expected Pavel to sit with us or anything; I just wanted to check on him.

"Have you seen Gav this morning?" I asked out of the blue.

He looked at me and frowned. "Gav? I--"

"Pavel," I corrected.

"Oh yeah, he was leaving when I came in. He was going to the tarmac, I think your father is supposed to land soon, but I presume you know that already."

"Of course they're coming now!" I said with a snort. "I mean things weren't screwed up enough! Freaking Karma," I had such a weird laugh that Eddie eyed me warily.

"Are--you alright?" he asked with concern.

"Peachy! I--" I shook my head. "Do you have plans for today?"

"Well not really," he shrugged. "Lissa is on campus, and I haven't started officially yet, so yeah . . . I'm pretty free."

I nodded, "Okay I'm going to text you when I manage to get everyone in the same room. I have an announcement."

"What kind of announcement?" he asked curiously.

"One you don't want to miss," although I wish I could. "Well . . ." I looked at my watch before eyeing the plate of donuts with regret; some things were just more important than food. I stood up, grabbed a sugar coated donut and gave Eddie an apologetic glance, "I'm sorry I've got to bail like this."

"You've got to do what you've got to do," he said with a wink. He had a bit of strawberry jam at the corner of his mouth, making him look comical.

I laughed, "Wipe it off Castille," and handed him a paper towel. "I'll see you later."

I took a big bite of my donut as I started in the direction of Lissa's room. I had scanned her mind, she was wide awake and not 'busy', I could go to her.

I took my phone out just to give Pavel a quick call. The plane was landing, so I asked him to bring my parents to Lissa's room as soon as they arrived. The sooner the better I admitted to myself before knocking on Lissa's door.

"Told you she would come early!" said Lissa, opening the door with a wide smile. She reached for my hand and pulled me in. "Christian is just finishing in the shower, but I want to know everything about your trip," she said with excitement.

"That's why I'm here," I said evasively. "But let's wait for everyone okay? So I don't have to repeat myself."

"Is it . . . Is it something good?" asked Lissa as she sat in front of me, but I could see that she wasn't smiling anymore. I could also feel her increasing worry through our bond.

"It's not bad," I forced a smile, "it's different really."

"Would you mind giving me a hint?" she asked trying to sound far more detached than she felt.

I looked at her, really thinking about it, but there was a reason why I wanted to wait until everybody was in the same room, it was to tame their reactions.

My mom wouldn't go mental in front of everybody . . . or at least I hoped. And Lissa . . . I would feel her pain and abandonment clear enough, but at least she would restrain from wording it. "Let's keep the surprise, okay?"

"You aren't leaving me are you Rose?" she asked, and I could feel she was almost panicking now.

"No, I'm here to stay," I said truthfully, even more than she could ever imagine.

She sighed with clear relief and smiled. "I can wait."

I looked up just to see Christian coming out of the bathroom. "Hey buddy!" I said, thankful for the distraction. "So . . . you're only weeks away from starting school, have you decided on your options yet?"

They both grimaced; apparently I stepped on the wrong subject yet again. "I don't know. Apparently I'm not choosing the right major," he said quickly eyeing Lissa.

"I never said you chose wrong. I just said you need to choose wisely, some subjects that fit your major."

"Here we go again," grumbled Christian sitting heavily beside her.

I looked at them argue gently with some kind of envy. I would love to have these arguments with the man I loved too; the man that at the end of the day, decided to abandon me. I sighed heavily without even realizing it. Both Lissa and Christian looked at me sheepishly.

"Sorry we didn't mean to bore you," Lissa said with a slight blush.

I laughed and shook my head, "It's all good I swear. I'll just remember to keep it shut on that subject from now on."

"Yeah . . ." said Christian grimacing. "At least until the choices are made."

"It's noted," I said with a wink. I took my cell out and texted Eddie to join us in Lissa and Christian's suit since it wouldn't be long now before my parents came over, as I was sure they were at least as intrigued as Lissa was, if not more.

It was less than ten minutes later that Pavel and my parents arrived in the room. We hugged each other, but it didn't matter how hard we tried, it was still very awkward. Lissa hadn't even closed the door when Adrian arrived with Eddie. I didn't think Adrian would want to be around for this announcement. I didn't want to hurt him a second time around and have him look at me when I was about to lie shamelessly.

My father took a seat at the small table, but his keen eyes never left me. I could see he expected something big, very big.

My mother went to stand behind him about three steps further back. It took all of my willpower not to snap at them by saying that they should stop this whole guardian masquerade, that they were not fooling anyone and that everyone knew perfectly well that they were dating.

"So Rose . . . Why did you want us all in the same room?" asked my father solemnly. He was the only one bold enough to ask with everyone else around, but he was Ibrahim Mazur after all. There wasn't much that could impress, scare or even influence a man like him. The Queen was a fool to think that his bastard child could have a hold on him. Well I did warn her it was her mistake.

I looked at each faces before taking a deep breath. Think band-aid Rose, the faster the better.

"Well, I guess you all figured out by now that there is a reason behind my returning this early." They all nodded, more or less decisively, except for Adrian who looked down at the floor and Pavel who was discreetly eyeing my father warily. Was he expecting an explosive reaction?

"I'm pregnant" I said fast, holding my breath. I felt a wave of both incredulity and despair coming from Lissa, and decided to avoid her eyes. I looked at my father as he jumped from his seat, jaw locked, fists clenched tightly and throwing a death glare at Adrian. Pavel reacted just in time, and stood in between them.

"Adrian has nothing to do with this," I added quickly as I couldn't believe my father's temper. Without Pavel I was pretty sure that Adrian would've had a broken nose by now.

Now it was a wave of confusion coming from Lissa. She was sure the baby was Adrian's, now she was just lost. My dad looked back at me with shrewd eyes, probably trying to decipher if I was lying. I looked straight into his eyes, hoping he could see the truthfulness of my words.

I saw his fists relax and let out a sigh of relief. "Then who does?" he asked much more coldly, probably angry at me for being an idiot.

I looked away and met my mother's eyes. She didn't look that angry. She looked sad and mostly disappointed, like I was letting her down on some level, which I probably was. Seeing these emotions in her eyes hurt me deep in my flesh, right now I would've preferred for her to be furious; cursing at me. It would have been far better than this quiet desperation. I opened my mouth to talk but closed it again. What could I even add?

"Look at me, little girl," said Abe bringing my attention back to him. "I believe I just asked you a question. Who is responsible for this?" he said pointing at my belly.

"I am!" I said standing straight. I may be pregnant, but I was still my smartass self. "Nobody raped me you know. I was fully aware of what I was doing." Well I never knew I could get pregnant, but it wasn't necessary to specify that.

I saw Abe's jaw muscles bulge. Pavel sent me a wary glance meaning, 'step down with the attitude'.

"Okay Rose you want to play it like that? Let's be clear. Who is the Moroi who tumbled you?" he asked intentionally crude.

Adrian paled and Pavel winced at the word, but I kept my eyes locked on my father's hard stare. He could maybe impress the crowds, but he couldn't scare me, at least not that much. "It doesn't matter," I said dismissing it with a gesture of the hand.

"It does," he replied stubbornly.

Who? Rose, tell me please. I heard Lissa directly in my mind.

I sighed in rendition. "It's a guy that was at school for the Moroi graduation," I said quickly. "You remember I disappeared for about two hours at the party?" I asked looking toward Lissa and Christian, but not really looking at them. After what I saw in my mother's eyes and what I felt coming from Lissa, I was already drained emotionally.

"Well that's where I was . . . with that guy," I said looking toward my father again. Actually I had disappeared to go cry about how much I missed Dimitri.

"That's- That's," started Abe before shaking his head. I guessed he didn't expect that from me . . . well I was sure he wasn't the only one.

I looked up to my mother, and now there was also anger in her eyes. Finally a feeling I recognized in her. "You threw your whole life and career away for one meaningless night?" my mother asked incredulously, her voice shaking with anger.

"No it's--"

"What is it Rose? You said I messed up your life being a guardian, so what? Are you going to go live in some community having babies with random Moroi?! Apparently, you don't seem to have any problems with that!"

"Janine!!" chastised my father coldly to shut her up.

"Rose you promised!" Lissa cried out, on the edge of tears.

"No Lissa I--" I sighed in despair, "I told you I wasn't going anywhere."

"Oh because they use blood whores here on site?" asked my mother sarcastically

"Stop it now!" my father roared so loudly that everybody in the room froze. My mom looked at him with incredulity. I was pretty sure it was the first time he ever raised his voice at her.

"I never thought that could've happened!" I snapped angrily almost immediately regretting it. Both Adrian and Pavel eyed me with caution in their eyes. As for Christian he had a thoughtful look that I hated; he probably understood that there was way more to that statement.

"I talked to the Queen already," I explained looking at Lissa now. "She agreed to appoint me at the Court here temporarily, but I'm still officially assigned to you," I forced a tiny smile. "I told you I'll stay here; I even get to choose my replacement. He'll only guard when you go out Liss, I'm still with you."

I could feel Lissa getting calmer. She was still worried of course, she didn't like the thought of being separated from me, but she knew it was only a few hours per day and not forever.

"I have it all figured out," I said reassuringly. Almost I added to myself.

My mom snorted bringing my attention back to her. "You think you have it all planned right? But you'll see, you'll see once the baby is born. You accused me of screwing you up, and here you are making the same mistakes."

"So I'm a mistake?" I couldn't help to shoot back.

"No Rose I--" she sighed, shaking her head heavily. "I need some air," she said leaving the room stiffly.

"I'll talk to her," Abe mumbled once she left. I could see he still had mixed feelings about the pregnancy, but I guessed that he didn't have much to say. He had been an absentee father for eighteen years, he knew I wouldn't take the whole 'overprotective father' act very well.

I nodded. "Thank you," I said barely louder than a whisper.

"But we still have some things to discuss," he warned me before departing.

"I figured," I mumbled.

"You better follow them so they don't kill each other," I told Pavel.

He laughed quickly, but nodded. "It wasn't so terrible was it?" he whispered squeezing my shoulder as he walked toward the door.

"Did we just go through the same conversation? Because I'm pretty sure my mother just called me a whore," I said trying to sound teasing.

"Well after what I heard about her, it could've been worse," he said with a smile. "Plus you know she didn't mean it right? She was just shocked and mad."

I nodded, not trusting my voice. "Just go," I whispered.

He kissed my forehead before leaving.

I concentrated my attention on Lissa and Christian again. Eddie was standing behind them, apparently frozen on the spot. I told him it was news that he wouldn't want to miss.

Lissa was looking at me with wide eyes. She was a mixed ball of emotions; scared, sad, a little bit angry but she was also excited that a baby was entering our lives. Christian wasn't really looking at me. I could see he was lost in his thoughts as if he was trying to figure something out, like there was some missing piece that he needed to figure out. I hated that look on his face, especially when I was the one under his microscope.

"That went well," I said in a failed attempt to joke as I fell heavily in the love seat.

"Could have been worse," said Adrian finally joining the conversation. I almost forgot he was here. A quiet Adrian was unusual, yet it was his norm since he found out about my pregnancy. He came to sit beside me, and patted my knee.

I gave him a grateful smile. He said he would stand by me no matter what, but I never thought he would keep his word for EVERYTHING.

"Now that the crazy bunch left . . . You're really not the father?" Lissa asked Adrian. She still couldn't believe it wasn't Adrian's. She knew me well, and she couldn't picture me having a one night stand with a perfect stranger.

"Unfortunately yeah . . . I'm positive," he said sounding far less hurt than I knew he really felt. I was grateful for that.

Lissa looked at me. "Wow . . . a baby."

"Yes," I nodded, "I know."

"Are you scared?" she asked with concern.

I could have lied, maybe I should have pretended that I was a tough cookie, but I was fed up with the lies and pretending. I was also fragile, vulnerable.

"A little," I admitted. "That's a first," I smiled.

Lissa nodded. "It will be okay, we'll be here for you," she said as protective feelings increased in her, making me smile wider.

"I know it will be." I said sincerely. I knew that - with all of them by my side - it would be alright.

"I'm going to be an aunt," Lissa said in excitation. She knew I would stay beside her, and it was all that mattered really.

I smiled, feeling free, "you sure are." Some of them took the news badly, some far better than I expected; but at the end of the day, it was out now, and I felt a lot lighter.

"Well I better go and see my mom," I said standing up.

"Maybe you should wait a little while," Eddie grimaced.

I laughed, Eddie never judged and I really loved him for that. "It'll be okay Ed, I promise. She won't calm down before I go and talk to her so . . ." I shrugged the sooner the better.

"Okay but--but you'll come back later, right? We need to discuss when we're going to go shopping for the baby," said Lissa now slightly flush with all the ideas running in her mind.

"You got it," I winked knowing that I would let her do what she wanted. She needed the distraction, and I really didn't mind. "I'll be back soon," I said with a quick wave before exiting the room. I didn't know in which room they were in the guest building, but it wouldn't be a problem I just had to phone Pavel and--

"Rose!" a breathless voice called from behind me, stopping me in my train of thought. I was almost at the guest building now.

"Christian, is there something wrong?" I asked worriedly seeing him flushed.

He shook his head negatively ask he tried to catch his breath.

"So what is it?" I pressed him. I was still high on the announcement endorphins to face my mother, but it wouldn't last. I knew that once they came down I would chicken out the face to face.

"I just wanted to know . . . how it's even possible?" he asked standing straight.

I frowned, confused, "What?"

He took two steps forward to stand very close to me. He leaned down bringing his mouth very close to my ear, "You getting pregnant with Dimitri Belikov's baby."

I took a quick step back as if his words burned me. I looked at him with incredulity how could he figure it out?

"I knew where you were during the graduation Rose. Lissa wasn't going up in the chapel anymore, but I was. I was feeling a bit blue, thinking about how my parents should've been there, and decided to escape for a while into my hidey hole, to think you know. But you can't imagine my surprise when I saw that the place was already occupied. I figured you needed some alone time," he shrugged.

"Why didn't you say anything?"

He smiled, "I didn't want to spoil the day for Lissa, and I didn't want her to worry any more than she already was. As for you, I know how much you hate to expose your weaknesses to the face of the world."

"It's--" What could I say? He knew I was lying.

"I could've believed it was Adrian's, maybe; but another man? A random guy?" he laughed. "That's impossible, you loved - still love - Belikov too much. I just wondered how it's possible?" he shook his head, "It's insane."

"I don't know," I whispered, "Please . . . Please don't tell anyone. I'm not ready for that yet."

He nodded, "you're my friend Rose, your secret is safe with me, but Lissa will figure it out. If not now, it will be soon. She's still high with the news, but she'll start to think about that eventually."

"I'll deal with that when it comes up," I said sounding far more certain than I felt.

"If you say so," he replied clearly not convinced.

"I'll see you later okay?" I tried checking my watch, not even sure why. "I need to check on my mother before she kills my father for defending me."

Christian smiled, "She's not that scary . . . And they're not fooling anyone."

I laughed too." No they aren't. Well I'll catch you guys for lunch," I said before turning away to go.

I barely made it in the lobby when the elevator doors opened, and my father and Pavel exited. I don't know why I did it, but I hid in the little corner.

"Are you sure you want to do that?" asked Abe. "Not that I will complain or anything, but I know how you feel about the officials."

"I'm sure. I want to stay here beside Rose, and I'm sure she'd feel better if I was the one guarding the Princess," said Pavel gravely.

He wanted to stay here and be appointed to Lissa, all that just for me? I felt my heart tighten in my chest. I didn't have Dimitri anymore, but I still had fantastic people around me.

"Rose is not Charity," said my dad calmly.

"I know, it's just--" he sighed heavily. "Rose is important to me. I want to help her out, be sure she's safe."

"I appreciate that you want to keep my little one safe."

"It's not for you."

My father chuckled, "Yeah believe me I know that." They were silent for a couple of seconds.

"If it's what you want, I release you of your obligations toward me for as long as you want."

"Thanks," said Pavel

"It's not for you," my father teased as he repeated Pavel previous words.

I heard the door open and close almost silently, I probably wouldn't have heard it if it wasn't for my dhampir hearing. I was about to stand when I heard a pretty loud throat clearing. "You can come out Kazim."

I cursed under my breath and stood with the little dignity I had remaining. "I came to talk with my mom before she bursts a vein," I said loud and clear.

"Yeah maybe now isn't the best time," he said with a small smile. "You know she's not mad."

"Oh really? She pretends very well then; she should totally get an Oscar for that one."

My dad chuckled lightly. "No she's just surprised, but you can't blame her. I mean it's not something anybody could've seen coming."

Me first, I thought but kept my mouth shut.

"I know her . . . I know her well. She's not that mad; she's scared for you, scared and worried."

"Why?" I asked puzzled.

"Do you really need to ask?" my father asked with an eyebrow raised. "You're about to become a single mother. You will have to make hard choices, choices you may regret one day or want to take back. Choices you thought were for the best just to have your child reproach them later."

Take that straight in your face Rose! I thought pursing my lips. I started to understand now that my mother had made some difficult choices, it was hard to choose something that could both fit your child's best interests and who you were inside.

"And you know it's already hard when the child is a piece of a person you love or once loved, but you . . . You made a mistake" he said wincing.

It was clear that he hated the idea of his daughter having a one-night stand. Who could blame him?

"And you will live everyday with your mistake," he smiled sadly. "It's enough to get your parents worried, you know little girl."

"I'll be alright old man, I promise," I assured him as I rested my hand lightly on his arm. Seeing the worry in his eyes made me almost admit that this baby was a piece of the person I loved the most in this world, the man that managed to imprint on my heart and soul. But I knew that if he ever knew Dimitri was the father he would track him down and force him to assume his responsibilities even if I begged him not to.

"You have another choice too you know."

"Another . . . choice?" I questioned my voice getting colder as I went. I hoped he wasn't suggesting what I thought he was. If that was the case, I could never look at him the same way.

"I want you to consider moving with me to Istanbul if things get too hard for you here."

"Sorry, what?" I asked almost falling flat on my butt with surprise.

"If you can't deal with being a guardian and a mother, don't worry. It won't make you weak or less worthy. I--I don't want you to suffer through it," he smiled and took my hand. "You're my child, and I will be happy to have you beside me, somewhere I can keep you safe. They won't judge you there you know."

I smiled, his support meant so much to me, much more than I could ever say. "Thank you, thank you so much," I said nicely, "but I have to do this my way."

"You wouldn't be my kid if you did it any other way," he smiled. "But just remember you've got the option. No questions asked."

I nodded, too emotional to even speak.

"And I can't wait to meet my grandbaby," he winked, "Even if I'm way too young and sexy to be a grandfather."

I laughed and hugged him tight. "Thank you, I needed that." I whispered in his ear.

"Anytime Kazim," he said hugging me back. "Even if I'm far, I'll always be one phone call away. Never forget that." Maybe the Queen was right after all. Maybe I had more impact on my father than I could comprehend.

"Now go and meet Pavel. As for your mother, don't worry, I'll deal with her," he said as he let go of me. "Once she's reassured it will be better, trust me."

"Thanks Baba," I said again before kissing him quickly on the cheek. I left the building feeling even lighter than before. From now on Pavel would keep Lissa safe, he would be here when I needed to talk and I knew that my parents wouldn't disavow me.

Not everything was right in my life - pretty freaking far from it - but I had my friends and family, and that was far more than most people had. I just needed to go with the flow now and see what would happen.