A/N- I love how some of you were confused about the pillow. ^_^ (Intyala) "Did he just take her pillow hostage?" – Why, yes. Yes, he did. xD
Sorry about how long this has taken. :( I was really swarmed with homework the last week or so of school. Then, these wonderful holidays! :D They have been great, but quite packed full. I've been doing a lot with friends, alongside some homework. I can't be guaranteeing any updates soon. I REALLY SUPER DOOPER apologise! I will try hard to update soon, but please be patient.
Oh, and FINALLY named! I'm not sure about it, but it clearly fits with the story. I wanted to come up with something with a little more oooomph! But, unless I change it again (which I hope I don't, because it will just confuse you all!) then 'A Different Beginning' it is. :)
Anyway, enjoy my pretty people. :)
Previously-
I composed myself enough to sit up, only to see him put my key on my bedside table and take my pillow. He put it under his arm and walked out of my room. "See you in the morning at practice," he said, like it was an ordinary day, and slammed my door shut.
He sure likes slamming doors, I thought. He'll probably break mine soon.
Chapter 7 – Hangover
I woke up to a wonderful hangover, a knocking on my door, and a couple of mouthfuls of vomit making their way up my throat.
I shot up immediately and bolted to and through my door for the bathrooms to haul the aftermaths of my fun night into a toilet bowl. I roughly pushed past whoever was at my door, not sparing a moment to check who it was, unless they would have preferred vomit with their breakfast.
Once I had finished emptying the contents of my stomach, I washed out my mouth and headed back to my room. I had left my door wide open and walked in to find Adrian promptly stand from his position on the end of my bed.
"You sure had fun last night, Little Dhampir," he smirked.
Memories of my dream the night before managed to filter their way through my hangover haze, and I was instantly mad at him. "Piss off Adrian," I growled.
He laughed, obviously not thinking I was serious. "Oh, Rose, you really did have too much to drink last night. Having a lovely hangover? Well, it's not too fun to deal with now, but I wouldn't trade it for your lovely dance," he winked. Winked! I was really ready to kill him.
I stalked over to him, ignoring the bile in my throat, and glared straight into his eyes. I may have been quite a bit shorter, but I knew I was intimidating. I didn't even need the slight look of fright to wave Adrian's face to know it. "You were there, were you?"
He narrowed his eyes slightly, not in anger, but in confusion. "Yes. Rose..."
"Adrian, get out of my room," I said slowly, not moving, which I kind of needed to do to let him pass. "Get out, before I decide to punch you."
He nodded, obviously not wanting a broken nose. Well, I couldn't blame him. He shifted in an attempt to get past. So I moved to allow him complete access to my door. Just as he was out my room, I told him in a low and threatening voice, "If you ever walk my dreams again," and slammed my door shut. I knew I didn't need to finish the sentence. Besides, his own different ideas of my torture towards him would be much more effective than any single thing I could come up with.
I quickly got ready for what was sure to be hell. My head and neck were not happy Dimitri had taken my pillow. I thought at first it was just stupid, but my hangover proved I needed a pillow. I had a hard time getting to sleep, and my pounding head wanted something soft to rest on. I had to give Dimitri props for a quick, small, yet effective punishment. I wondered what else he had in store for me at training.
"Fourteen minutes late," he informed me, without looking up from his novel, literally the second I walked into the gym.
I rolled my eyes, "Whatever," and went for my laps.
"Rose," he said. I turned to see him poking his head out from his book. "No laps. Weights. It was only going to be thirty, but an extra fourteen for your lack of punctuality. Go, forty-four reps. Now."
I sighed and removed my sweatshirt. I knew Dimitri was going to torture me for this training session, so I thought I'd do the same back. I walked past Dimitri and over to the weight bench. Out of the corner of my eye I could see him looking at me over his book. Bingo.
It was simple what I wore, but I knew it was the kind of thing that rose eyebrows. I wore a dark red sports bra with loose gray tracksuit pants, the bottoms scrunched up to be three-quarters. I knew how to make myself look good.
I did my weights like a good girl, ignoring the pain in my head and elsewhere. I kept catching a glimpse Dimitri's way every now and again. A couple of times I caught him quickly look away. I was happy with my comeback so far.
Once I had finished my reps, I felt relatively good. I knew my arms were going to ache like a bitch later, and my head still pounded, but in the moment I had that accomplished strong feeling that sometimes accompanies a workout.
I knew it was then time to... tease a little more.
I grabbed my gym towel and went to stand in front of Dimitri. My body was covered in an impressive amount of sweat. I began wiping my stomach. "So... Dimitri, what now?" I asked, walking towards him. When he looked up at me, I moved the towel to my chest, slowly running the towel over the top of my breasts.
His eyes lingered a little too long at the area, his composure faltering. It didn't last long, though. Sooner than I would have liked, his Guardian-mask kicked into action and he turned a controlled face to look at me. "Ten minutes of laps."
I inwardly groaned. My charm was not working to its full potential. Time to get a little dirtier. "But Dimitri," I playfully whined, putting my hands on my hips, "I wanna spar!"
I could see the internal fight within him to decline. "No. Go run."
I faked a little pout, "Dimitri. Please?"
He shook his head, turning his attention back to his novel. "No, Rose."
Oh, no, I was not going to give up that easily. I walked towards him, leaned in, and placed my hands on either side of his chair. He had full view of my cleavage. "Please?" I purred.
He visibly swallowed. I could see his hungry eyes on me lustfully. After they wandered a moment, he looked me directly in the eyes. Our faces were so close, and my breathing became laboured under his strong, forceful gaze.
"No," he breathed seriously, his voice low and husky.
I pulled the corner of my mouth into a little smirk, "Please, Dimitri?" I leant in even closer.
Before I could even blink, he pushed me away – to the ground – and flew out of his seat. Looking away from me, he pointed in the direction of the tracks, "Laps, now!" he ordered.
I huffed, but obeyed. He didn't look at me as I stood up and walked past him. Well, my plan didn't completely fail. I knew, at least, I had tortured him. I began my laps with a smile on my face.
After the laps, I was too tired to give a crap about trying anything anymore. He put me on the punching bag for the remainder of the session. Ten minutes late, he let me go. There had only been two days of classes since we arrived – starting on a Thursday – and it was now the weekend. I never had to worry about the days of the week before, and I had no idea what a weekend entitled.
I showered and dressed before heading down to the cafeteria. I had no idea if they served brunch, or only breakfast and lunch. But I was hungry, so I'd eat whatever was there.
I was pretty disappointed when I ran into Lissa before I could get to my food. Luckily, she walked with me, not keeping me from eating. I mentally hugged her. One; I didn't want to actually hug her, and two; I was too hungry to pause.
"Hey, Rose," she smiled. We hadn't spoken since the incident at the shops. We'd barely talked during the incident. We had that silly little argument during the trip, and then when we walked back to the car she clung to me the entire time, but we barely said a word.
I smiled politely as a greeting.
She walked with me as I grabbed some food. It was a brunch menu, which I presumed was only on the weekends. Lissa seemed a little awkward as she spoke to me. "I wanted to say thankyou... for... you know. I'm sorry I didn't say it earlier. I was too shocked after... it, and then I couldn't find you at school yesterday. I... umm..."
I turned to her and smiled, once again, politely. "It was nothing Lissa. And I took the day off yesterday."
"Oh... why, are you okay?" she asked, sincerely worried.
"No, no, don't worry. I'm fine. Was just a little tired," I told her, grabbing an apple to complete my plate. I now had a satisfying amount of food, consisting of the apple, a vanilla choc-chip muffin, a chicken sandwich, and a bottle of orange juice.
Lissa followed me to a table and sat down opposite. "Well, really Rose. Thankyou," I looked up to see her gazing at me with a great deal of gratitude.
"It was noth-"
"It wasn't nothing. You saved my life. If it wasn't for you..."
I shook my head, biting into my apple, "If I wasn't there he probably wouldn't have been."
"That's not true, Rose-"
"No, seriously, Lissa. You are more than welcome that I... saved your life, or whatever you want to call it. But if I wasn't there, I doubt he would've been."
"What makes you think that?"
There was no evidence or anything. But when the Strigoi mentioned Witmoore's name, I had a feeling Witmoore may have sent him. Or that he was in cahoots with him... or something of the sorts. "It's just a feeling..."
Before Lissa could say anything else her boyfriend came up to the table. Lissa noticed me looking behind her as he approached, and turned to see him. She stood up with a big smile on her face to give him a sweet hug. "Rose," he greeted with a nod. There was a hidden appreciation, a thanks, alongside it. I assumed it was for 'saving' his girl. I didn't like this idea. I would've have needed to save her if it wasn't for myself.
"I'm sorry, Rose," Lissa said after they whispered to each other for a moment, "I need to go. I have an extra class now. I'll be seeing you later?"
"Oh, no, it's fine, no problem. And sure thing."
"Great, bye," she smiled, before the two walked off in each other's arms. I guessed the class wasn't really a class.
I really didn't like the idea that Witmoore was still alive. I hoped he was killed during the escape. I didn't see him for the whole rescue, the last time being the night before when he fed from me. There was a restless feeling at the idea of not knowing, but now I would be even more restless knowing he was still alive. And, to make matters worse, he was not happy at my escape. If he ever saw me again... oh the awful things that plagued my mind.
Breaking me from my thoughts, Mason came and sat next to me at the table. He laughed a little awkwardly, "Umm... hey Rose. Ahh... how was... did... did you get in much trouble last night?"
I smiled at him, lightning the mood and telling him not to worry. "I just lost my pillow."
He laughed again, less uptight, "What?"
I had finished my apple and muffin, and began opening my sandwich, "The Russian Jailer took my pillow as punishment."
"Punishment?"
"Hey, Mason, no laughing! This is a serious situation. My neck is caning!" I said seriously, rubbing my neck, but making it clear I was kidding with my smile.
After we had both finished laughing and joking about my pillow situation, Mason put a hand on my shoulder. "Last night was really fun," he told me. "Well, as much of it as I can remember."
I smiled, "Ahh, yeah. It was good. What I could remember."
"You wanna do it again some time?"
Oh shit. Was he asking me out? Surely not! We had just met... And I definitely didn't see Mason that way. He was sweet and fun to be around, but I saw him more as a friend, a more brotherly figure – if I had the correct idea what having a brother would be like. I could not... date him, could I?
If anything, I liked the tall, hunky Russian mentor of mine. But... I had to be realistic. He was several years older than me, and my teacher. Nothing could happen there, even if he felt the same way. Which, I was beyond a doubt sure that he didn't. He may have found me attractive, but he didn't feel the way I did.
Could going out on a date with Mason really be that bad? What was the worst that could happen... It didn't work out and I lost a friend? Sure, that'd suck, but that was the worst case scenario. I was sure, no matter what, that I couldn't lose such a great friend like Mason. And say, what, we started going out? Boyfriend and girlfriend? Was that really that bad? He was a very nice guy, and I could get comfortable around him. The least it could do was distract me from my feelings towards Dimitri.
It was only one date anyway. For now. It didn't have to mean anything yet.
I hesitated a moment, before agreeing, "Sure, I'd love to."
I could not imagine that his face could hold such a big grin. Surprised excitement and joy covered his face. "Great," was all he could muster.
I laughed for a second, "Awesome, I'll talk to you later then?"
He nodded, grasping the situation a little better, "Yep. Okay..." He stood up and took a couple of steps away from the table, still looking at me grinning, "Okay then, yep, see ya."
I laughed as he tried to find the words before he left. By then I had finished my food and binned it before heading back to my dorm.
I was getting seriously bored bumming around in my dorm. There was nothing to do in this Academy besides train or do some form of stupid homework. I kind of liked the idea of training, but I had another round later in the afternoon. I was sure three sessions would leave me incapacitated tomorrow morning. All I could really figure out to do was wander the school. Besides, I hadn't had a good chance to really see the whole place.
I wandered through some of the dorms and school halls, until I eventually found a way outside. The dorms were bustling with energy – chatter amongst the students. I heard topics such as parties and homework, some whining about boys from a couple of groups. The school halls were mostly deserted, a few classrooms occupied by a teacher or a small group of, most likely, nerds. I stopped at one point and saw a bright light illuminating from one of the science rooms.
I peeked through the small window on the door to find Lissa and Adrian facing each other, cross-legged on the floor. At first I thought there was a little something-something happening, until I saw Christian perched on the front bench. The situation between the two on the ground seemed intimate, but I must have been mistaken. There was a plant sitting between them, and they held their hands together, arms outstretched, over the plant. I saw Lissa whispering, but I couldn't really hear anything in particular. I caught a glimpse of a white, creamy glow burst from their clasped hands, before a big head blocked my view.
A pair of extremely pissed off blue eyes stared at me through the glass, messy auburn hair sticking out in all directions around her head. They were telling me to piss off, and I complied without question. I could tell with one look – I didn't want to get on her bad side.
I finished my walk past other classrooms until I found a door leading outside. I continued my self-tour, wandering around next to the buildings. There were some paths and seats, a courtyard, and such surrounding the area. There were quite a few people hanging around outside, mostly dhampir's who could actually stand the cold air. Moroi didn't have enough fat on their skinny bodies to withhold the wind. I wasn't bothered by it, my long cardigan doing enough to keep me from shivering.
I could see great vastness of half, dead, unkempt grass covering the ground leading from the edges of the Academy to an even line of trees. The trees turned into a forest, and I wandered what was beyond there. I had been informed about the wards in one of my classes on the Thursday. I knew they surrounded the Academy, but I was interested how far they went. Did they cover the entire forest area? Was their fencing somewhere in between where it ended? I was curious to find out.
I considered going on a wander throughout the foresty-area. But eventually I decided it was a bad idea. I would need to know how the wards worked before I foolishly put myself in any danger. I was untrained as it was. Facing that Strigoi at the shops proved that. If I ran into one or something worse, I would freeze up the same as I had then. Probably end up getting myself killed. I couldn't allow that to happen. It was beyond stupid comprehension. I had to be smarter than that if I wanted to keep myself alive. I had to keep myself alive... to find Florence.
I had pushed her memory to the back on my mind the last few days. I couldn't think when I thought about her, she clouded my mind making everything else blank and meaningless. Just like the disappearing of the current scene before me.
She was so important, my best friend; she had been for so many years. I knew she could look after herself. I knew if she had gotten out, she would be fine. She had been the last time she escaped. She was probably on a journey right now. She must have gotten far, far away if... no, when she had escaped. Far away to reduce as much distance between herself and any of the Strigoi that survived. Hitched a ride with someone or something. She had created distance, and now was on a tactful plan to get back here safely. She was fine.
I couldn't think anything but. I couldn't imagine her dead. I couldn't imagine her lifeless body still lying around in that horrible place. Just rotting away on the floor of one of the many rooms. No, I couldn't think of that. If I thought that, I wouldn't be able to function. I would break down and turn off. I would die myself. I had nothing else to live for except the thought that she would be back one day. I would see her. Without her here, it was heartbreaking enough. But if I let myself go now, then I would never see her again. I couldn't do that, not to her. She needed me as much as I needed her. And she was on a long, painful journey here. Here to the Academy. I couldn't have her travel all this way for me to just be gone. I needed to stay strong, for Florence. My best friend was going to need me when she made it.
"Rose?" I was broken from my trance to see a pair of green eyes slowly dissolve back into my vision. "Rose, you okay?"
I was brought out of my thoughts and back into my body to find myself hunched against the wall, face stained with silent tears and Adrian's hands on my shoulders, his face looking at me intently. I brought my hands to my face to whip my cheeks, staring at the wetness on my fingertips, and licking my lips to taste the salty drops.
"Rose...?"
I nodded my head. "Yeah, whatever, I'm fine," I knew my voice sounded hoarse and totally un-fine, but I didn't have it in me to care. Especially when it was Adrian that was trying to comfort me. I was still angry at him for the dream.
"You don't look fine," he stated.
"Piss off, Adrian," I growled, shrugging his hands off and stalking away.
"Hey, Rose!" he called, jogging up and standing in front of me. I kept walking, making him walk backwards. I wanted him to trip. "Look, Rose, I'm sorry! I don't know what I did, but whatever it was, I'm sorry!"
"Don't play with me, Ivashkov," I growled. "You ruined it! You had to go and ruin it, didn't you?"
"Ruin what, Rose? I have no idea what you are talking about!" he pleaded. I didn't want to believe him, but he seemed so unsure.
"You walked my fucking dream and ruined it. That beautiful meadow and my white dress... you ruined it!"
He scrunched his face in confusion, "No, Rose, I didn't. That must have been your own dream."
I looked away from him, not wanting to believe it was my own fault. I couldn't do such an awful thing. My subconscious wasn't that much of a bitch, was it?
"Sorry, Rose. But I didn't do anything. It was you."
"Whatever, I'm still mad at you," I scoffed immaturely, looking away from him.
"Why?"
I crossed my arms, "Because I can be. And I don't like you anyway. Dream ruiner or not."
He sighed and shook his head. "Well, whether you like me or not, I want to tell you something. It's why I came over earlier."
"Okay, what?" I asked, not looking back at him.
"It's about your Mum."
I turned my head and narrowed my eyes at him, "What about her?" I spat.
"She wants to come here, to meet you."
I shook my head, "No way in hell. I want nothing to do with her."
"I told her that, but she is still coming. She insists, and has spoken to Kirova and everything."
"Well, I'll lock myself in my room then. I don't want to meet her, Adrian. You promised."
He sighed sadly, "I know. And I have tried to get them to understand. But your mother keeps saying that you will change your mind when you finally meet her. She says your just being emotional."
I laugh, humourlessly. "Oh, emotional, huh? Like she has the nerve!"
Adrian tried to put a comforting hand on my shoulder, but before I got the chance to shrug it off, my eye was caught by him looking up, past me, shocked. He looked back down at my apologetically, "I'm so sorry. I tried. I really did."
I turned around to look down at a curly auburn haired, bad-ass looking dhampir. She had her hands on her hips and a smirk on her lips. She may have been over half a foot smaller than me, but she certainly managed to hold authority with her body language.
Adrian whispered in my ear from behind me, "I am so sorry..." and ran off. I turned my head to see him bolting back inside the Academy doors. I didn't understand, until she spoke.
"Well, hello there, daughter."
A/N - Dun, dun, duuuuunnnnnn!
How do you think Rose will react to her mother?
I love to hear your ideas! :D As well as criticism, hate, praise, love, whatever! So, REVIEW! Hell, you can say something like 'I want me some Dimitri' and I will be happy. I want be some Dimitri too, after all. ;)
