First of all, thank you so much for your reviews, favorites and follows! :)
Second, I'm so sorry for the late update. I know I was supposed to update last weekend, but I had the stomach flu, which I never have, but I guess it finally got to me. Anyway, I'm all better now so here's the new chapter ^^
To that one guest reviewer: If you don't like the story (which is totally fine) don't read it. I don't mind constructive criticism, but you were just bashing my story, which is not fine. So yeah, stop reading it if you don't like it. That's all I have to say.
Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Academy.
CHAPTER 9
RPOV – JULY 6, 2012
Adrian was running late – again. He always did that when we went out on dates. Usually, it didn't bother me because it was only ten minutes or so. But tonight I'd already been waiting for him for over an hour. I'd called him a couple of times, but it always went straight to voicemail. I wondered if he was okay.
Ugh, don't worry, Rose, I thought, rolling my eyes. It's Adrian. He probably forgot about tonight.
Well, if he wouldn't return my calls, there was nothing else to do than check the apartment. Maybe he was there.
But when I arrived twenty minutes later, Dimitri opened the door. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw me.
"Rose," he said, "what are you doing here?"
"Hi," I said awkwardly. God, did it really have to be him? Where's Adrian? "Is Adrian around? We're supposed to go out tonight, but he's running late. Again," I added, a little annoyed. "I've tried calling him, but he doesn't answer."
Dimitri gave me an apologetic look. "No, he's not here. I'm sorry."
Then where the hell is he?!
"Oh. Okay, thanks anyway," I said, turning away.
"If you want, you can wait for him," Dimitri called after me.
I stopped and turned back around. "I don't know…"
"He probably got caught up at work. Why don't you come inside and I'll try calling him?" Dimitri said.
"Okay," I said hesitantly, making my way back to the apartment. "Thank you."
I stopped in the middle of the apartment and wrapped my arms around myself, uncomfortable. Ugh, what was I doing? I should just go.
Even though I'd seen Dimitri a couple of times now, we hadn't talked since that first night I came down here. I guess that was my fault. I really wanted to give Adrian a chance and, in order to do so, I needed to avoid Dimitri. He just… I don't know, there was something about him, something that pulled me in, and I so did not need that right now.
Because, surprisingly, things with Adrian were going great – despite the fact that he was always late. I mean, everyone had flaws. I did too. Obviously, I thought as I glanced at Dimitri from the corner of my eye, nervous.
Anyway, Adrian and I had been dating for a couple of weeks now and I didn't want to jeopardize that – whatever it was that we had; I wasn't ready to call it a relationship yet – for a ridiculous crush – if you could even call it a crush – on someone I barely knew!
Okay, that didn't make sense, but whatever. I liked Adrian. He was charming and good-looking and he knew how to have a good time. All in all, I thought he was a great guy and he made me smile – most of the times. He was someone I could love, I think.
But then why did I have this thing for Dimitri? I didn't even know how to describe it. All I knew was that it was silly and ridiculous.
"He doesn't answer my calls either," Dimitri said, snapping me out of my reverie.
"Oh. Thanks for trying," I said, suppressing a sigh. After a moment of hesitation, I asked, "Do you think he's alright?"
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure he's still at work," Dimitri answered. "I wouldn't worry too much. He's always running late."
I smiled. "I know."
"You want something to drink while you wait?" Dimitri asked, walking over to the fridge.
"Water is fine, thank you," I said politely.
I took a seat on the couch and looked around the apartment, still feeling a little uncomfortable. I hoped Adrian would arrive soon. Dimitri came back with a glass of water for me and sat down on the other side of the couch.
An awkward silence fell, and I wanted to die. I don't think I'd ever been this nervous before around a guy. But why? What the hell was so different about Dimitri? He was just another guy.
Ugh, Rose, make some conversation. This is just…awkward. But I didn't know what to say. Last time we were in this position, it was so easy to talk to him. Why couldn't it be easy now?
I noticed a book on the coffee table. I knew Adrian didn't read so it had to be Dimitri's book.
"Is this yours?" I asked. He nodded. "Is it good?"
"Yeah, but it's not for everyone," Dimitri replied.
"Why's that?" I asked curiously as I picked up the book.
"It's a Western."
"Ah. So you're into Westerns?"
I was intrigued. I don't think I'd ever met a guy who liked to read Westerns. Dimitri was so different in many ways from Adrian. While Adrian was outgoing and loud – very loud at times - Dimitri seemed almost shy and quiet. They were complete opposites and somehow they were best friends. It boggled my mind.
"Uh yeah, I guess," Dimitri stammered, almost embarrassed.
"Is that what you'd like to be? A cowboy?" I asked with a grin, relieved I'd finally found something to talk about with him.
"No," he said quickly.
"You know what, I could picture you as a cowboy, swooping in to save some girl," I teased. "I think it'd suit you."
"Thanks?" It came out like a question.
I laughed. Deciding I should stop teasing him – poor guy – I said, "I once saw a western movie. Umm, I think it was called True Grit. I thought it was pretty good."
Dimitri looked surprised at that. "Really?"
"Yeah. Oh, and the one with Leonardo DiCaprio! What's it called again?"
"You mean Django Unchained?"
I grinned again. "Yes! That's the one!"
We launched into a discussion about the movie. Dimitri had read the books as well. His face lit up as he talked about it. I realized he was really passionate about this and I thought it was very sweet.
Just like that, the awkwardness disappeared. We talked and talked and I was really starting to ease up and so was Dimitri. I didn't understand why I had been nervous and uncomfortable in the first place.
When I started to feel hungry, I checked my phone again. I'd nearly forgotten about Adrian. He was two hours late now.
"I'm sorry about your date," Dimitri said after a few moments.
"It's fine," I said with a shrug. "I hope he's okay, though."
"I'm sure he is," Dimitri replied. "He does this all the time, really. Not one of his best traits, I guess."
My stomach rumbled loudly and I looked away in embarrassment. Shit!
"Shall I order some pizza?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at me.
"No, you don't have to do that for me."
"It's no trouble." I hesitated. "I'm hungry too," he added with a smile. "You can eat something while you wait for Adrian."
"Okay," I agreed at last, smiling. "Thanks."
I didn't hear from Adrian by the time our pizza was delivered. I sent him another text. When I didn't get a response, I decided to give up. So instead of worrying about Adrian's whereabouts, I ate my pizza and watched a movie with Dimitri.
Tonight turned out to be pretty fun. No thanks to Adrian, though. Dimitri was kind and sweet; he didn't mind me being here, for which I was glad. If I'd gone back home, I would have had a very lonely night. So I was glad I'd stayed.
When the movie was over, I started to get up. "I should probably go home. It's getting late," I said sighing. "Thank you for letting me wait here."
"You're welcome. I'm sorry Adrian didn't show up," Dimitri said, giving me an apologetic look.
"It's not your fault," I told him. "When he comes home, will you tell him-"
Just then, the door opened and Adrian stumbled inside. He looked drunk and seemed confused to see me here.
"Rose? W-what are you doing here?" he asked, surprised.
"You were supposed to meet me tonight," I replied coolly. "Where have you been? I've called you so many times!"
He still looked confused. "I – I was supposed to take you out?" Then his eyes widened in realization. "Oh. Shit."
I crossed my arms. "Yeah. But I hope you had fun, wherever you were tonight."
"Rose, I'm so sorry!" Adrian exclaimed. "I completely forgot! I was with some colleagues. They went out for drinks and asked me if I wanted to come along."
"Okay, well, I'm going now." I looked at Dimitri and smiled. "Thanks for tonight, Dimitri. Have a good night."
He returned my smile. "Good night, Rose."
I walked past Adrian briskly. I was relieved that he was okay, but I was furious that he had stood me up to get drunk with his colleagues. I would have been fine about it if he'd just told me!
"That was not cool, Adrian," I heard Dimitri mutter to Adrian. "She was really worried about you."
"Rose, I'm sorry!" Adrian called after me. As he stumbled towards me, he almost pushed over the chair. "I'm – I'm s-sorry," he said again, hiccupping. He was wasted.
"I don't want to talk about this right now. Call me when you're sober!" I called back. "Good night, Adrian!"
RPOV – JULY 14, 2015
When I got up the next morning, I was starving. That's what you get for not eating last night, I chastised myself. When had I ever skipped out on a meal? Never. Except for last night, of course.
Lissa and Christian were already in the kitchen when I got there, having a discussion. As soon as I joined them at the breakfast table, they fell silent.
"Don't stop talking because I'm here," I told them. "By all means, go on."
"We were just discussing what we should do today. I really want to go shopping, but Christian would rather stay here and watch TV," Lissa said, glaring at her boyfriend.
"Tough choice. I think I'd go for watching TV as well," I said, hiding my smile.
Christian grinned smugly and high-fived me.
"You guys are lame," Lissa complained. "The weather is great. Why would you want to stay inside all day long?"
"Fine, I'll go shopping with you," Christian said sighing. Lissa's face lit up immediately. "Anything for my sweetheart," Christian added, pecking her cheek.
"Gross," I muttered, scrunching up my nose.
"Are you coming with us, Rose?" Lissa asked, ignoring my comment.
"Eh, I think I'll pass," I said apologetically as I searched for a bowl in the cabinets. When I found one, I grabbed the milk and the muesli.
"Lucky bastard," Christian muttered.
Lissa pouted at me. "You should come, Rose. It'll be fun."
"Liss, I hate shopping and you know it," I answered, giving her a knowing look. "I'd like to stay here today. Maybe I'll go for a swim," I added with a shrug.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
I smiled before popping a spoonful of muesli into my mouth. "Yes."
"Okay, we'll stay in the neighborhood. But you have to come with me to The Grove this week," Lissa insisted.
"No way," I said immediately. "There's going to be tons of people there."
"But it'll be fun!" Lissa whined. "The Grove is the place to shop! Even you will like it!" She looked at me pleadingly. "Please?"
"Ugh, fine. I'll go with you to The Grove," I gave in, hoping I wouldn't regret it. Christian snickered. "Don't laugh, you're coming as well," I told him. "Someone has to carry the bags. Isn't that right, Liss? Besides, it'll be more fun if we're going all together."
"Yes," Lissa agreed, nodding.
His jaw dropped open. "B-but I'm already going today."
I shrugged, barely able to contain my grin. "Tough luck."
"Wonderful," Christian muttered, crossing his arms.
"Where are Mason and Eddie?" I asked, changing the subject.
"They left early this morning to explore," Lissa replied. "They said they'd be back in a couple of hours."
"Oh, okay."
"And where's Dimitri? Did he already leave for work?" I asked casually. I didn't want to run into him today.
"I don't know. We haven't seen him yet this morning," Lissa said with a shrug.
Just then, Dimitri walked in. Well, shit.
"Good morning," he said.
"Good morning," Lissa replied cheerfully. She glanced at Christian, then got up. "Well, we're going now! We have a long day ahead of us. Have a good day!"
What?! They were leaving me here alone with Dimitri?
I sighed and continued eating my muesli. As Dimitri sat down across from me, I lowered my eyes to the bowl in front of me, not daring to look him in the eye. But then I realized I was acting stupid. I should just talk to him and act around him like a normal person would. I was being silly.
"So, uh, how are you?" I asked.
"I'm good, thanks. How are you feeling?" he asked, a concerned look crossing his face.
"I'm okay," I answered with a shrug.
We ate in silence for a few moments while I wondered if I could talk to him about what I'd found out recently. I used to tell him all about my problems. He'd been a good friend of mine and he'd always been a good listener – better than Adrian had been, at least. Plus, he used to give me great advice. So why not tell him now?
"I met Abby last week," I blurted out.
Dimitri glanced up at me, surprised. "The girl from the phone number in Adrian's pocket?"
I nodded, biting down on my lower lip.
"And?" he asked, curious.
"And… It turns out I was right," I said after a pause. "He was cheating on me."
Dimitri looked down for a moment. "I'm sorry, Rose," he said quietly when he finally looked up at me again.
"You don't have to apologize. It's not your fault," I said.
"I know, but…"
"It's fine," I insisted. "I'm over the shock." I think.
Dimitri still looked uncertain, but nodded. "What else did she tell you?"
"They met at a party and spent the night together," I answered, clenching my jaw as I squashed my muesli with my spoon. "Adrian wanted to see her again and she said yes. They were going to meet up again, but then Adrian died so that didn't happen," I muttered.
Dimitri looked at me with sympathy. "When did they meet?"
"A little over a month ago. During one of Adrian's conferences," I told him. "I checked with his broker and he told me Adrian had a conference the weekend they met so I guess it's true what she's told me." I pushed the bowl of muesli away; I'd lost my appetite. "God knows how many other women he met in secret when he was away."
"Rose, you can't think like that," Dimitri said. "Maybe it was just a one time thing. Maybe-"
"Didn't you just hear what I said?" I cut him off. "They met again after the conference." I sighed and buried my face in my hands. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm just so…angry."
"It's okay. I understand," Dimitri said softly.
I looked up at him and gave him a small smile. "Thanks."
"So you think there are others?" Dimitri asked.
"I don't know. Maybe," I answered, shrugging. "I wish I could check Adrian's phone, but I broke it when I smashed it into the wall. I already went back to the store, but they can't fix it."
Dimitri arched an eyebrow at me.
"Don't give me that look," I said. "I was pissed."
"Sure. I get it. I'd be pissed as well," Dimitri said. "But I probably wouldn't smash the phone into the wall – not if that was my only way to find out more."
I smiled reluctantly. "Yeah, yeah, it was stupid. I know." Shaking my head, I let out a groan. "I just didn't expect that from him, you know? I knew he still flirted with women sometimes – I mean, it's Adrian we're talking about – but I didn't care about that because I knew he'd always come home to me. But now that I know that he's been with another woman while we were engaged? I wouldn't be surprised if there were more women."
Dimitri reached over the table and grabbed my hand, squeezing gently. "I don't know what to say or do to make you feel better, but I just want you to know that I'm here for you, Rose."
I smiled at him gratefully. "It's okay, Dimitri. Thank you."
He let go of my hand and I immediately wished he hadn't. Ugh, I am no better than Adrian was. Why did I feel this way around Dimitri? It must be because I hadn't talked to him like this in a long time. I knew I no longer had feelings for him – I hadn't in a long time now and I was happy about that. It was the way it was supposed to be – how it should have been from the start. I'd just missed him, that's all. I'd missed his friendship. That was all there was to it.
I loved Adrian. And despite his flaws, despite his cheating, I still loved him. And I missed him like crazy. I wished he was here. I wished he was here with Dimitri and me and that everything was like it used to be – before that one big fight between Dimitri and him. Everything had been perfect back then. Well, almost perfect.
"Do you miss him?" I asked softly as tears gathered in my eyes.
"Every day," Dimitri replied gravely.
"I miss him too," I whispered, blinking back my tears. "So much."
Dimitri got up from his chair and walked over to me. "It's going to be okay, Rose," he murmured, wrapping his arms around me. I buried my face into his chest and cried. "You're going to be okay. It won't happen today or tomorrow, but one day you'll wake up and the pain you're feeling right now will have faded. It'll still be there, but it won't hurt as much."
"How do you know?" I sobbed.
"Because I lost my father when I was young," he said quietly. "So I know what it feels like."
I looked up at him, shocked. "Y-you lost your father? God, I'm sorry. You never told me…"
Dimitri had never liked talking about his father and now I finally knew why. Honestly, I hadn't expected this. I'd always thought he disliked his father for some reason, but it turns out he was dead. Poor Dimitri. I didn't dare ask him how he'd died. I don't think he wanted to talk about it anyway.
"Don't worry about it," Dimitri said softly. "You should worry about yourself. Try and find a way to make yourself happy again. I know it's hard, but you should try. I really don't like seeing you so sad."
"I will," I sniffled. "Eventually. I just need some time."
"You can take all the time you need, Rose," Dimitri murmured, "but promise me you'll be happy again one day."
I smiled at him through my tears. "I will. I promise."
There you go. I hope you liked this chapter. And oh yeah, this time I won't be making Dimitri's dad horrible. And also, for the readers who have already read The Ruby Circle, Dimitri isn't related to Adrian in this story. They're just best friends ;)
Please leave a review and let me know what you think. Have a nice day/evening! :)
