May 15 2011
Sorry that it has been so long since I have posted. Work has become more stressful as the number of children in my class has grown to a full roster. My class is integrated 2 1/2 -4 yr olds and it is very tiring to have children of different developmental and academic stages in the same class. Added to the stress from work is my father's health. He is doing better and is sometimes walking with the help of a walker.
The the thing that has hindered my writing possess the most is my lack of imagination and inspiration. Please bear with me and I will try to post to all of these stories as fast as I can. by the way I am nearly half way done on a story I will be posting as soon as I have So what Now finished.
I own only what comes from my imagination that which is original cannon comes from Rachael Mead.
Chapter 11: The Drive Home
As soon as I fell asleep I began dreaming. I found myself in the kitchen of a mansion. I have been to many home and mansions over the years to know that a kitchen this size with all the finest appliances, flawless granite counters with matching center island; could only be found in a mansion. I was seated at the island with a really nice looking sandwich served in front of me. There was another plate set next to me as if I was waiting on someone.
I had the sensation of déjà vu again. I know I have never been to this place before but for some reason it felt so familiar in a way. I really felt like I was here and not in my room asleep. The afternoon sun glistened off a lake outside. There was a forest beyond the lake and I could see birds flying about in the trees. I could hear the sound of the breeze outside, and a fire crackling in a fireplace in another room and the sound of someone walking around in the pantry. The pantry door opened and Adrian walked out holding a bag of Sun Chips multigrain crisps.
"There you are; I was wondering if you were ever going to fall asleep. I don't have much time to chat because Rosemarie will be looking for me soon. Her guitar and she have been blowing off steam for a while already and she should be done soon." He tossed the crisps to me and moved to the refrigerator; pulling a pitcher of tea. He set out two glasses then sat next to me.
"Why does this feel so real?" I
mumbled to myself.
"Duh, I am a spirit wielder. You are in a dream walk with me." Adrian rolled his eyes as if I had asked him and not myself. He continued to explain what a dream walk is. "I can use spirit to bring other people's minds into a place of my own creation, or to a place I know in real life. I can also let your mind crate the place but after what you just went through with Rose I don't want to know where your mind might be. Anyway everything in a dream walk feels as real as if you were really there. Right now you are in my home near Court."
"The place isn't familiar but I feel like I have been here before but not; here, here, just here. Oh God I sound insane." I took a bite of my sandwich and couldn't help but moan. Damn this thing was good; I might have to ask him what is in it.
"Good huh? I never understood how Guardians could eat the way they do and look so good but since I have been working with Rose I figured it out. So anyway about the dream feeling so familiar well once you have dream walked even once before you mind will remember the feel of it."
"I can assure you I have never been dream walked before." When I said this he huffed and gave me a look that said 'I wouldn't bet on it.'
"Hey I think Rose is going to be looking for me soon so I am going to send you back but I just wanted to tell you that I know what happened and I think you did the right thing. If you had given in and had sex she would have shipped you back to Tasha within the week. I am glad, brother that you will be around for a while."
"Hey do you think she will still be ok with the cookout with the kids?"
"Yeah, you better keep your promise to those kids. If you disappoint them by backing out; she will be pissed."
I was surrounded by darkness of my own mind. Damn I forgot to ask him if it is ok for me to take part in Josh's life; that is assuming that Rose will let me back into hers. I slept the rest of the night comforted in the fact that Adrian also believes I did the right thing by not letting things with Rose get physical.
~~*O*~~
I was still tired when I woke up but I pulled myself out of bed looking forward to the day. As bad as things had gone yesterday and last night, I have walked away from yesterday with two things. First, there is hope for me to find my way back into Roza's heart. She still desires me and as much as I would have liked to give in to that desire I will hold out till I have earned back her trust and respect. Second I got reaffirmation from Adrian that I made the right decision to wait.
I took a cool shower to try to wake myself up and well after falling asleep with wet hair I have some seriously wild bedhead. After making myself presentable I headed out to the dining hall. As satisfying as Adrian's dream-walk, sandwich had felt last night; I needed real food now. I grabbed some spinach and cheese omelet, English sausage, toast and a mug of coffee.
When I met up with Annemarie for her classes she looked at me with a bit of concern and asked if I felt better today than yesterday. I assured her that I did but she gave me a dubious side glance. She set her book bag down and wrapped her arms around me. Again I felt as if I was surrounded with love and friendship. Her hug was quick as one would give to greet a friend. She picked up her bag and we continued walking along to her *English *class.
*AN[In America English class is part reading, and writing. This is also the class that teaches spelling, vocabulary and sentence structure. As you might have guessed though I was good at reading the spelling and sentence structure were never my strong suits.]*
I thought about how she was able to make me feel comforted and loved by her touch. This made me think about how Rose always had that ability. Though I must say that the love from Annemarie is like what I feel for Connor or for Lissa's girls.
Annemarie's classes flew by and soon it was time for our training session. Instead of heading off ahead of her I waited for her because Guardian Tanner was working on something for Rosemarie today. I have been thinking of making adjustments to Annemarie's training and I decided to show her that I believe she has matured by discussing the changes with her.
"Ladybug, I have noticed that you seem ready to go father in your training. I know you are only 11 but what do you say if we increase the number of laps you do so we can increase your stamina? You usually do 12 laps but I know you can do more."
"12 laps are 3 miles, what if we go for 3 ½ miles now and work up to 4 by the end of the year? My M.. other mentor says that I should push myself hard because it isn't just my life but the lives of others that will be in my hands. She says that even if I don't follow in the path of becoming a huntress like Bridget Donnelley, I will still have to protect my charge; and for that I have to be the best I can. Maybe I should also increase the amount of weights I do too."
"Perhaps we should. Let's start with the running first." I was internally surprised by the way she easily accepted the idea of increasing the intensity of her training. Rose would have first whined then done her best to prove to me she could do it. In some ways she reminds me of Rose but at times like this she is the complete opposite. In fact sometimes she reminded me of my nephew Paul. Heck, even some of the faces she makes remind me of him and his little sister, Zoya.
Annemarie did well with her 14 lap run and kept up with me easily. We also did some weight training and I added 2 ½ pounds to each set. After her workout, we did cool down stretches. The whole time she told me all about the latest book she was reading. I found it fascinating even if it was a kid's book. It was called Rachel's Journal; A story of a pioneer girl. It was funny that a little girl shares my passion for the old west.
Our book discussion lasted till lunch hour when it was time for me to help her with her homework. She is very smart and I can see why she was 1-3 years ahead of other kids her age. When working with her I felt more like a sounding board than a tutor. Most often she would figure out the answers for herself by talking it through to herself with very little guidance from me. The rest of her day went quickly and we met with Guardian Tanner who would continue guarding her for the rest of the day.
I went to Rosemarie's office hoping to find her there but her door was locked and there was no light coming from under the door. I turned to leave and bumped into Alberta.
"Can I help you with something Dimitri?" Over the last two and a half months Alberta has warmed up to me a little, but not much.
"Yes, I was looking for Rosemarie. I wanted to ask permission to leave campus for a shopping trip and to ask if I may borrow a car."
"I don't see why not. Let me get a key for you." She went to her office and returned with a Nissan key.
"Thanks Alberta, is there anything I can get for you while I am out?" She nodded and I waited while she wrote a short list and gave me some money.
I looked at her list while I walked to dinner. Her list only consisted of a specific brand and scent of shampoo and conditioner. The school has a supply store that has the basics of hygiene and sanitary supplies but they don't carry a lot of different brands so if you want something specific you have to go out and get it yourself.
Before I left seven years ago; I almost never left campus to go shopping and when I did I would buy enough so that I wouldn't have to leave again for a few months. I have only been back for 2 ½ months but I have gone out five other times. I guess living the last seven years with Tasha has changed me. Tasha is a bundle of energy; she likes to spend her time running about. As her Guardian I went everywhere with her but I never felt like I was working. Guarding her had been like Guarding Ivan; two friends hanging out and going places.
I decided to leave right after dinner. In the car park I noticed that the one vehicle that stands out from all the others was not there. There are a number of Black SUVs most are new thought there are some older ones as well. And there are the school vans five in all and all in a bland shade of steel blue. But the one vehicle that caught my eye the first time I laid eyes on it was a Dodge Durango. It would have stood out in any car park or lot but here amongst a sea of dark blue and black, it was a beacon of defiance. The Durango was a deep amethyst color with silver speckles. There was a moonstone hanging from the mirror and all windows but the windshield were tinted. There was another feature of the SUV that caught my attention; the gage of the tires told me that this was no ordinary Durango, it has been altered into an armored vehicle. Tasha and I once watched a documentary on a company that will convert almost any car into an armored vehicle and the price is not cheap.
I pressed the button on the key and an Xterra flashed its lights. It's a nice new SUV and it sure beats the Honda Pilot they had me using when I had to take Rose for her ill-fated qualifier; but, all truth be told, I miss my Jeep Grand Cherokee.
I had never had my own car before because well most guardians don't; what is the point when you always have to follow your charge around and dive them around in their cars. Working for Tasha paid more than working at the academy, and I had free room and board so I ended up saving most of my earnings as I had done when I worked for Ivan. A few Years ago Tasha had convinced me to spurge on myself and buy a car. The Jeep is my first car. I even had it custom painted a beautiful shade of emerald green.
I've grown accustomed to the freedom of owning my own form of transportation. I hate having to ask to borrow a car from the school. I understand that at an academy, all staff has to have permission to leave campus even on our time off. But it is a bit degrading to have to ask to borrow a car; it makes me feel like a kid asking mommy for the keys. The good news is that when Tasha comes at Christmas they are driving my car to me along with the rest of my belongings. I can't wait till I have my Jeep back.
My four hour drive to Missoula went by quickly I enjoyed the scenery as the morning sun colored everything in vivid color. I tuned the radio into some oldies and sang along till I reached the Super Target store.
The store is huge and I decided to get some Christmas shopping done as well as getting supplies for the cookout with the kids. I started off with things for the kids since the grownups will be harder to choose for. I am surprised how many children there are to buy things for.
My sisters Karolena and Sonya have two each Paul is 15 so a new MP3 player is what Karolena said he wanted, and Zoya wanted an E-book pad. Sonya's daughter, Nadia, is 8, and takes after her babushka. She loves to sit with my mother and watch her sew with the machine or by hand. For her I found a little beginner's sewing machine and for her brother, Matvei, who is 4 I bought a big box of Legos.
Conner would be getting a two wheel bicycle and I was going to be the one to teach him how to ride it. I have bought the helmet wrapped it with a letter explaining that he and I will be going to pick out the bike of his choice and then I will teach him to ride. Tasha thinks this is a perfect Christmas gift from his daddy.
Lissa's daughters know me as uncle because that is what Tasha had told them to call me since I am their cousin's Daddy. I think of them as my nieces and it has been hard to be so close to them and yet not interact with them. I know that Lissa and Christian have always resented me for leaving Rose and they prefer that I don't interact with their girls often. I have only bumped into them a few times when they were out and about on campus with Chris or Lissa. For Rachel who is almost 5, I bought a doll with a blue dress, for Jennifer who is 3 I found a big stuffed dolphin.
Next, were the children at the Cottage house, for Aiden and Brian I bought sets of Hot Wheels cars with a little big rig shaped carrier. The Dashkov twins looked like they like pretty things so I bought them some pretty dress up clothes. Aiden's sister was the easiest to choose for. Remembering her worn out, well-loved looking doll; I bought a set of toys that looked like real baby things, a doll swing, a little play pen and a little stroller.
Annemarie mentioned that Josh loves the stars. Most of the time Moroi and Dhampirs don't pay much attention to the stars because we see them every day; but she says that Josh loves to look at the stars and he sits outside after school looking up. For him I found a child's book on astronomy and a telescope.
I was a little stumped on what to give to Annemarie; her file says she is much younger than she looks and her sweetness and innocents as well as her bouts of immaturity seem to be proof. Yet in some ways she is much more mature then an 11 yr. old would be. I think she has outgrown things like dolls and play clothes. Yet she is not ready for the things one might buy for a teenager.
Wondering around the store I came across the jewelry counter. I spotted a solitaire diamond on a delicate chain. Thinking how much I would love to clasp a necklace around Rose's neck; I let myself fantasize about it. She would hold her hair up for me and I would kiss her neck when I was done.
"Can I help you Sir?" A peppy girl asked. I don't know what made me do it, but before I realized what I was doing, I did it.
"Yes I would like to buy that one." She pulled out the necklace and let me examine it a bit closer.
"It's a beautiful choice. We don't usually carry anything this big but with Christmas coming we have gotten some really nice pieces. This one is a half carat diamond on a platinum setting on an eighteen inch platinum chain."
"It is almost as perfect as she is. I was wondering if you would have anything appropriate for a little girl." She sales clerk nodded happily and brought me over to another section of the counter.
"How old is your daughter?" Her expression was friendly and curious? Rather than correct her I decided to just go along with it. After all I would like nothing more than to be her father.
"My Ladybug is eleven almost 12." When I said this she smiled with all her teeth and her eyes sparked.
"I have the perfect thing for you. We aren't supposed to put them out till Friday but let me see if I can get my manager to let me sell it to you a few days early."
As she spoke she brought out a necklace box. When I opened it my breath caught in my throat. Against the satin lining lay a ladybug pendent. It was a little larger than life size; gold with red enamel with small black crystals for the spots. I loved it; it wasn't cartoonish like you might give to a small child.
"I'll take them both."
After a brief discussion with her manager she wrung me up for the jewelry and the other gifts too. I took my bags out to the car and came back for the things for the cook out. I bought franks and buns for hot dogs, Juice, baked multigrain chips (I know that sounds gross but they are actually tasty and even Conner loves them), and the fixings for smores. I also got some bubble tubes with the giant wands, and some glow in the dark balls. Last but not least I made sure to get Alberta's shampoo.
With all my shopping done and my packages all in the back I headed to St. Vlad's. I was ten minutes out of the city when my phone rang. Since I forgot my earpiece I had to pull over to answer.
"Belikov"
"Dimitri, its Alberta. I need you to pick up something for me."
"Ok what do you need?"
"Rose is stuck at the mall due to car trouble. I need you to pick up both her and Princess Vasilisa, and bring them back before dark."
"No problem, where are they waiting?"
"The south west end of the parking lot, near the Nordstrom's."
"Ok I am on my way."
I hung up and made my way back to Missoula. Once back at the mall I noticed that the parking lot was packed. I decided to try something. I concentrated on Rosemarie and soon I felt a tug to the left. I let the familiar tugging feeling lead me strait to her. Funny how we were always able to find each other even in the most crowded of places; and it still worked after all these years.
I stopped near the Purple Durango. I should have known that there is just enough rebel left in Rose, that she would be the owner of it. Rose hopped out and so did Eddie and Mia. Rose went to the back passenger door and helped Lissa out and gently set her on the ground. Lissa looked back at me and blushed with her hand over her belly. I remember how careful I was of Tasha when she was carrying Conner. I smiled at Lissa with understanding.
I opened the back hatch and began moving my bags to one side. Eddie and Mia began to bring the bags for Rose's car to this one. I noticed that Eddie and Mia both had a tattoo of a full moon on the nape of their necks; just below the hairline. It was made with iridescent blue ink, and reminded me of the Alchemists and the gold Lily they wear. They also had a number of smaller Crescent Moon and Sun tattoos. When Eddie brought the last bags he whispered to me.
"It's a long drive Belikov, good luck."
Rose had already gotten Lissa into the back seat and was waiving to a tow truck driver. I watched as she pulled the Durango out of the parking stall and into the side of the lot. I soon realized what the problem with her car was. All four of her tires had been slashed. A chill went down my spine because I have the feeling this was not random vandalism.
Rose left the tow driver to get her car on the flat bed and she jogged back to us. She hopped in and rolled down her window.
"Eddie, are you sure you and Mia want to stay with the Purple Monster? I don't like leaving you here."
"We will be fine, it's still bright out and we are heading to a hotel with wards. If any Strigoi come looking for us the Paca mark will alert us. We have our stakes, both kinds; we will be fine."
"Ok I will have subs cover your classes till Friday. Dad is shipping some tires to the shop and it might take a couple days. Dive back during the daylight."
Mia and Eddie both nodded and walked back to the tow truck. I started the SUV and turned back towards the Highway. Looking in the rearview mirror I could see how tired Lissa looked. Being out in the sun must have tired her out. I could tell by the look of their faces that Lissa and Rose were talking through the bond so I stayed quiet and listened to the radio that was still playing softly.
After about half an hour I noticed Lissa was sleeping and Rosemarie turned to look out the window. Years ago I would have felt completely comfortable with the silence but it felt awkward; judging by her stiff posture she feels it too. We sat quietly letting Lissa's soft snores and the radio as the only noise. Soon a song came one the radio that seemed to express exactly how I feel. I started to sing softly with the song.
I'm not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
I really am sorry for having left her. I should have talked things over with her and made decisions with her. Perhaps we would have decided to look into other means of conception. Perhaps we would have waited a few years. I wish I was more, open minded about raising her child. I love Conner and I don't regret being his father but I do regret that it took so much for me to realize I could love any child that Roza and I cared for.
I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with every day
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
That's why I need you to hear
Honestly not a day has gone by that I didn't think about her and wonder if she got over me and what I did. I missed her and longed for her arms every day since the day I left. Now that I am back and I see the damage I caused I live with the knowledge that I am the one who caused her pain.
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
I understand now that I was so ridged and close minded and reality doesn't always follow the black and white ideas I have had for so long. Last night showed me that even if I don't see something doesn't mean it isn't real. I am willing to open up to new possibilities. I am willing try to see all the colors of the world that has created the beautiful woman sitting beside me.
I'm not a perfect person
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you
Rose kept her gaze firmly on the passing scenery but I could tell by the way that her head was cocked that she had been listening. The silence continued for a while a song that came out before Rose was even born came on her voice softly joined the radio. I felt her sorrow as she sang.
The flowers you gave me are just about to die
When I think about what could've been
Makes me want to cry
The sweet words you whispered
Didn't mean a thing
I guess our song is over
As we begin to sing
Could've been so beautiful
Could've been so right
Could've been my lover every day of my life
Could've been so beautiful
Could've been so right
I'll never hold what could've been
on a cold and lonely night...
The memories of our lovin' still linger in the air
Like the faded scent of your roses
Stay with me everywhere
Every time I get my hopes up
They always seem to fall
Still what could've been is better than
What could never be at all...
Could've been so beautiful
Could've been so right
Could've been my lover every day of my life
Could've been so beautiful
Could've been so right
You can't hold what could've been
on a cold and lonely night...
Could've been so beautiful
Could've been so right
You can't hold what could have been
on a cold and lonely night
No, how can't you hold what could've been
on a cold and lonely night...
"Roza I am so sorry for what I did to you. I …"
"Dimitri I don't have time to live in the past. What 's done is done and nothing can undo it."
"Still I regret the pain I have cause to both of us. I am happy for you that you and Adrian had Joshua; he really is a beautiful boy."
"Adrian is not Josh's Father."
"Annemarie said that his uncle Bobby was Adrian's brother."
"Adrian's parents adopted Bobby. Bobby's parents died in a boating accident."
"Oh then who is Josh's father? Why is he not with you?"
"Justin Harrison. He was taken and turned before anyone even knew Josh was on the way. He was killed about a month before Josh's birth."
"I am sorry for your loss."
"I never met him before the day he died so I really don't feel any loss. I do miss his mother though, I had a class with her and we grew close when we figured out she was married to one of my mom's Moroi cousins."
"Oh I'm sorry, I thought he was yours. Where is his mother?"
"He is mine. I have been the only mother he has known since he was a week old. Erica suffered from postpartum depression and committed suicide. She was Robert's legal guardian after their parents died. Justin had worked for Daniella Ivashkov, Daniella took pity on Erica and Bobby; she continued to pay Erica what Justin would have been earning if he was still around and she promised her his job in her gallery after her baby was born. She paid for Bobby to go to tutoring at court so he could help his sister with her baby. Bobby came home from tutoring one day, the baby was alone crying and Erica was in the bathroom lying on the floor surrounded by shards of mirror and a pool of her own blood. Bobby grabbed Josh and ran to Lissa's apartment. Adrian and Lissa both tried to bring her back but she had been dead too long."
"You were so young, why did you adopt him?"
"Because first and foremost it was what Erica wanted and because I was the only one at court who was willing and honestly I was the best fit. He isn't the only child I have adopted. I also have a nineteen year old daughter, her name is Emma. You may be seeing her when she comes at Christmas. She might be spending more time around St. Vlad's this spring." Rose suddenly looked faraway and a bit sad.
"What happened to having a child of your own? I once asked Alberta if you ever did have a baby but all she said is that things didn't go as you would have hoped." When I said this her hand went to her stomach and she closed her eyes with a pained expression on her face.
I reached over and took her hand from her belly. I held it for a moment lost in the feeling of electricity that flowed between us.
"Roza, if this is something that hurts too much to talk about I won't push you but know that I am willing to listen if you ever need me to."
I gave her hand a squeeze then set it on the center console resting mine near her. A few minutes later I felt her hand move so that it rested with our skin touching but not holding hands. Then I had a very strange sensation; it was like a gentle bush inside my head. I opened my self to it willingly. I don't know what she was doing but I knew it was Rose. I opened myself farther to her willing her to know the truth of anything she asked of me. I felt myself thinking of memories just brief snippets of images and as they passed I felt as if she was probing my feelings about these memories. The memories didn't follow a clear timeline and they ranged from my childhood till the present time. They lingered a bit longer on memories of my time with Roza and how I felt about returning. And then there were my memories of my son. Rose abruptly pulled her hand away resting it in her lap.
"I am sorry, I shouldn't have done that; it was a horrible invasion of privacy."
"I don't mind, I want to gain your trust again." I wanted to know what the hell she did but I opted to wait for her to tell me.
"Dimitri, tell me about Connor."
"What do you want to know?"
"Why, why were you willing to raise her son as your own?"
"That is a hard question to answer, but I will try. When I left you I realized I had done the unforgivable and I truly believed that there would be no way you would ever take me back. I still worry about that. Anyway Tasha wanted a child and so did I. If you're wondering there was only one attempt at intimacy and we realized it wasn't working for us long before any clothing came off. Tasha was the one to bring up a procedure called In vitro fertilization, I had heard of it when I was in med school with Ivan but it was far from our field of interest so I honestly didn't remember it till she brought it up. We went to a doctor she knew and at first it seemed that everything was going to work out but when It came time to create an embryo my sperm wouldn't work. She ended up going with donor sperm."
"I understand what IVF is but what I want to know is WHY you were willing to raise him as your own?"
"At first I just thought of him as a nephew or a cousin. When she was pregnant he was just my friend's baby. It wasn't till after he was born that I fell in love with him. Tasha is nothing more than a friend to me and I guess the idea of her having a child that was not mine didn't bother me like it had when I thought of you having someone else's baby. Then again I wasn't thinking IVF; I was thinking you would have to be intimate with a Moroi."
We lapsed into silence for the rest of the drive but this time it was not quite so awkward. Rose spoke to the Guardian at the gate for a moment, she is a captain of the Guardians so that was not odd, what was odd was that she spoke to him in fluent Russian. Even her accent sounded natural. We moved on through to the carport where Christian and Alberta waited for us.
Rose picked Lissa up from the back seat holding her bridal style. She must have offered to take her back to their room but he shook his head and opened his arms for her. Rose handed her friend over and Lissa snuggled into his chest with a contented sigh.
Alberta came over while I was taking Rose and Lissa's things out of the back and Rose joined us.
"Which things are Lissa's I will take them to their apartment for her?" Alberta said to Rose.
"All of these except for this one." Rose set aside a Victoria's Secret intimate apparel
bag but handed Alberta the handles to about 12 other bags. Somehow I was not surprised that Lissa had bought so much, it was typical Lissa.
"Dimitri, are those for the cookout? If you like I could take it back to my home so it will be there already on Saturday."
"Sure but I insist on carrying it for you and walking you home."
She nodded. I closed the hatch and left the key in the lock. I knew it would be perfectly safe. Rose took a few bags and I took the rest. I knew if she could carry Lissa as effortlessly as she did then she would have no problem carrying all of the bags herself but thankfully she was going to let me be a gentleman to her. As we passed Guardian Abrahams she gave him a polite order.
"Stephan, please take the rest of Guardian Belikov's things to his dorm for him."
"Yes Ma'am." He reached his hand out his hand for my key.
"Just leave it on the hook by the door and leave it unlocked. I will be there in a few minutes." Abrahams nodded as he took my key and walked back to the car. We walked a few minutes before she broke the silence.
"Thank you, Dimitri, for keeping your promise to the children."
"I was hoping that you wouldn't be mad that I still wanted to have the cookout. I love kids and I miss playing with Conner and his friends. I know you love all of the children in your care and I want to get to know them. And I have to admit that I would jump at any reason to get to know my little ladybug outside of the mentor roll." Her eyes suddenly focused on mine.
"What did you just call her?"
"Um, Ladybug, it's my nickna…."
"No you called her My Little Ladybug." She cut me off and gave me that pleading look that sometimes crosses her beautiful face. She put her hands up to cup my face and hold my eye contact. (Not that I would have looked away from her beautiful brown eyes.) I felt the same sensation that I had during our drive and I opened my mind to her. Memories of my time with Annemarie flooded through and Rose gasped.
"Why do you feel that way for her? She is just a student you have only known for two and a half months."
"I am sorry if you are offended by it, she is special and she reminds me so much of a little you. I couldn't help but wish she was mine, ours. I know she is your little sister or cousin or something like that but I just feel so connected to her." When I mentioned the fact that they are related Rose's face fell momentarily. There was a flash of disappointment then hope.
"You have my permission to feel fatherly towards her. But remember, the girl has enough father figures; nothing could ever replace the real one. Please keep trying to figure out the answers to your questions. I won't give you any answers nor will I lie to you." She took the bags from my hands and walked inside closing the door behind her.
In my mind I heard her. "You have had a long couple days. Take tomorrow off and I will make sure to have someone cover her training tomorrow."
I walked down to the lake just down the hill from the cottage. Sitting on the pier I looked out at the reflection of the late afternoon sky on the glassy water. A fat Siamese cat walked up and brushed against me. I've never had a cat approach me unless it was to attack me. I tentatively reached out to pet it. The fur was soft and silky. I looked at the collar and the tag read Mocha latte. I continued to pet Annemarie's cat. Gentle cords drifted down from the hill and I remembered how, Rose, and I used to play her guitar to each other. Her voice drifted on the breeze; soft and reedy.
It's one hundred and nine degrees in this crowded room
No room to breathe with walls as cold as a gallery
This is no place for me
Such hard faces in smoke
The smell lingers in my clothes
It's a bad night to be alone
But that's the way it goes
And I think of you whenever life gets me down
I think of you whenever you're not around
And you rest your bones
Somewhere far from my own
Yeah, but you still pull me home
I thought I had it figured out in a brand new life
With a great big house
And green initials on the towels
I should be happy now
Well, you got yourself a family
And you planted roots down by the sea
I saw you once on the street
You didn't notice me
But I think of you whenever life gets me down
I think of you whenever you're not around
You rest your bones
Somewhere far from my own
Yeah, but you still pull me home
Just to put your mind at ease
You don't owe me anything
You paid me well in memories
And I think of you whenever life gets me down
I think of you whenever you're not around
And you rest your bones
Somewhere far from my own
Yeah, but you still pull me home
You still pull me home
You still pull me home
Footfalls on the soft ground alerted me that I was not alone. I knew without even looking that whoever was approaching wanted me to hear them. I turned to see a tall dark haired guardian that I have never seen before.
"I'm sorry but you cannot be here. School Guardians are supposed to leave this area to us." His Russian accent was even stronger than mine.
"My apologies, I don't do rounds and I was not aware of the new boundaries. I walked Guardian Hathaway home and decided to come here for a few moments to think. I will be going now."
I set Mocha down and gave him a polite bow. It took me only minutes to get back to my room. The bags of things I had bought were set near the closet door and the key was on the hook. I locked my door and headed for my room taking off clothing as I went. I set my alarm for a later hour and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
songs for the chapter were
Radio songs:
The Reason by Hoobstank
Could have Been by Tiffany
The one I am preteneding Rose wrote:
Think of you by A Fine Frenzy
Pop Quiz
1. What was it that Rose did when she brushed Dimitri's mind?
2. Could she clearly see his memories?
3. Do you think Dimitri is getting closer to realizing the truth?
4. what were your thoughts.
I know this chapter was long and full of filler, sorry.
Suzanna