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Thanks: Marla

DPOV

Alberta was still pulling on me as we made our way out of the administration building. She spun me around and by the expression on her face; she was not pleased with my outburst. "What the hell were you thinking? Are you trying to lose your job? You're not going to get any answers from Kirova by insulting her Dimitri!" Alberta was livid.

All my composure seems to have been thrown out the window when Kirova said she couldn't tell me where Rose was transferred. I was still feeling furious with her and without thinking I began to shout at Alberta. "Do you seriously think I care what Kirova could do to me? All I care about is getting Rose back!" I saw Alberta flinch slightly. I immediately regretted my tone with her. "I'm sorry Alberta, please forgive me. I feel so empty and lost! What am I suppose to do? If Kirova won't tell us where Rose is, how am I going to find her?" The fear of not finding Rose was beginning to emerge, as I could feel the tears threatening to fill my eyes.

Alberta could see I was about to come apart at the seams. "Dimitri when is the last time you slept?" she asked distressed. I could feel a lump forming in my throat, I would try to answer her but I don't think my voice was willing to comply. Instead I just shrugged my shoulders while staring at the ground. "I want you to take the rest of the day off and get some rest. Before you try to object, it's not a request, it is an order. You can't find Rose if your lying in the infirmary." She pointed out.

I didn't bother arguing with her, I knew she was right. I just shook my head in acknowledgement than turned and headed towards the guardian dormitory. Once in my room, I felt relieved to be alone. Walking over to the bed I picked up the letter Rose left me. I could feel my chest tighten as I felt the tears stream down my face. I began to pace back and forth through my room. I thought about the recent conversations I had with her, trying to figure out if maybe Rose might have slipped up and let out a clue that could help me find her. Unfortunately I couldn't come up with anything that would help me, which made me become even more frustrated. I leaned against my desk; my sobs were getting louder and my body started to tremble. Not being able to take the anguish any more I began to scream. "Why…. Why would you leave me Rose?" I cried out.

Grabbing the chair in front of me I threw it across the room. I wasn't able to hold it together any longer; I flipped the desk, sending everything flying across the room. By the time I was finished I had completely destroyed my room. The only furniture left untouched was my bed. I was out of breath, I no longer had the strength nor was I capable of fighting the exhaustion that was now taking over my body and mind. I collapsed onto the bed, still holding the letter from Rose close to my chest. The tears began to subside as I closed my eyes and let my mind drift into the darkness.

I had only been sleeping about an hour when the ringing of my phone woke me. Still feeling depleted, I fumbled around trying to find my phone. I answered it after about the fourth ring, "Belikov" I said my voice sounding raspy. "Dimka, is that you? Sweetheart what's wrong? You sound horrible." She questioned. I cleared my throat before I spoke again. "Mama, everything is fine. I was sleeping that's all." I didn't want her to worry even though I knew my attempt to reassure her would fail. "Dimka, don't forget who your talking to. I'm your mother, I know when there is something wrong, now please tell me." I could hear the worry in her voice.

I hated to upset her but I knew she wasn't going to let it go. "Mama, Rose transferred out of the academy while I was at court. I can't even find her because she wouldn't tell anyone where she was going. She doesn't want me to find her!" I could tell from the gasp I heard her release; she was shocked.

"I don't understand Dimka. Why did she leave?" she asked with confusion. "I was having a conversation with Guardian Petrov the other day and Rose overheard. She misunderstood what was said. She thinks I'm not sure that my feelings for her are enough to go through the scrutiny that we will face from our society.

She's afraid our relationship would ruin my life as a guardian." I proceeded to tell her about the letter and how I didn't make it to the plane in time. I even told her about the argument with Kirova. When I was finished I could her the tears in her voice when she spoke. "Dimka, I'm so sorry you are hurting, I wish I was there to help you. I guess now I understand what Yeva was talking about when she said there was something happening between you and Roza. " She breathed.

"Mama has babushka seen anything that might help me find Rose?" I'm sure she could hear that I was clinging to the hope that Yeva might be able to help me. I could hear her asking babushka if she knew anything. "Dimka, she says that all she can see is Viktoria. I stopped her immediately. "What's wrong with Viktoria?" I questioned.

"That is why I called you, but you have enough going on in your own life, I don't want to add any more stress on you." She asserted. I could tell it wasn't good. " What did she do now?" I inquired. "We can discuss it some other time. I should probably be letting you get some rest. I can call you back later." She stammered. "Mama I need to know what is going on with Viktoria." I insisted.

I could tell from the silence that she was thinking of a way to break the news to me. "I don't care how bad it is, just tell me what's going on." I uttered. I clearly didn't want to deal with Viktoria's problems, but she was my little sister, she needed me.

"Viktoria got into another altercation with a male moroi. Apparently he propositioned her and she broke his nose. The headmistress informed me that she is immediately being transferred to St. Augustine's in Arizona. She should arrive there within a day or so. I was wishing you could make a few calls to advise the head guardian at the new academy to contact you if she causes any problems." She spoke with disappointment.

I should have known that Viktoria wouldn't be able to control her temper. "Of course mama, I will make some phone calls. As soon as things calm down here I'll make a trip to St. Augustine's and check up on her. Try not to worry, I'll take care of her, I promise!" I said trying to reassure her.

"I know you will do what ever you can to help her. I hope Viktoria knows how lucky she is to have such a wonderful big brother. I love you Dimka!" I could tell by her tone she was smiling. "I love you too mama. I better go so I can start making some phone calls. I'll talk to you soon." I replied.

" Dimka, take care of yourself. I have faith that you and Rose will be together soon." She expressed with certainty. I'll call you soon to check on you. Goodbye Dimka."

"Goodbye mama," I said closing my phone ending the call. Falling back onto my pillow I let out a demoralizing moan. About twenty minutes later I opened my phone dialing Alberta. After a few minutes of explaining to her what was happening, she gave me the phone number for the headmaster at St. Augustine's. I figured it was better to get the number from Alberta, I had my doubts Kirova would be willing to help me.

I called St. Augustine's to talk with Headmaster Svetkova. The receptionist answered, "Good morning St. Augustine's Academy, Headmaster Svetkova's office, how may I help you?"

" Good morning," I greeted her. "This is Guardian Belikov from St. Vladimir's Academy, I was wishing to speak with Headmaster Svetkova if possible."

"Headmaster is in a meeting with a new student, but I would be happy to have him return your call if you'd like." She divulged to me. "That will be fine." I replied. I gave her my number and informed her of the reason I was calling. "I will give him the message Guardian Belikov, I'm certain he will return your call shortly. Have a good day." She said than hung up the phone.

I stretched out across the bed; I decided I might as well relax while I waited for him to return my call. I was just about to fall asleep again when my phone began to ring.

RPOV

I don't know how long I had been sleeping, but all of a sudden I felt someone shaking me. "Are you going to sleep all day Rose? I told you I would be back to show you around the campus." Gregori laughed.

I was struggling to open my eyes; they were still so heavy. Once I was able to focus, I sat up letting out a yawn. I pushed my legs out over the edge of the bed. "Do you always let yourself into people's rooms without knocking?" I asked jokingly. "I did knock but you were in such a deep sleep you didn't hear me." he said smiling at me.

I walked across the room, grabbing some clothes from the closet I headed for the bathroom. "If you don't mind I'll meet you down stairs in ten minutes."

"Don't be to long. Headmaster Svetkova would like to meet with you. That is where I'm taking you first. I'll be waiting for you in the lobby." He said as he shut the door behind him. When I finished brushing my teeth I changed my clothes and pulled my hair into a ponytail. I slipped on my shoes and headed out the door. Gregori was talking to another guardian when I came down the stairs.

As I walked over to where they were standing another guardian came through the door. "Rose," he said grabbing my hand pulling me next to him. "I would like you to meet a couple of our guardians here at the academy. This is Guardian Alex Dimir, and Guardian Stefan Prodan. Gentleman this is Rosemarie Hathaway."

They both eyed me from head to toe, not saying a word. "Guardian Kane is something wrong with their eyes." I asked.

He looked at me quizzically. "No, why do you ask Rose."

"Because if they don't quit looking at me like that there will be!" I scoffed. He let out a chuckle, which pulled them both out of their trance. "Lets go, Headmaster Svetkova is waiting for us?" I flashed them my man-eating smile before I left the lobby. Walking across the quad to the administration building I said, "Who is the head guardian here at St. Augustine's?"

He looked at me like I was joking. "What … did I say something wrong?" I laughed. He shook his head and laughed. "You didn't say anything wrong."

"Well if I didn't say anything wrong than why are you looking at me like that."

"I just thought you knew that you're walking with the head guardian right now." He said winking at me. "Are you serious, my big brother is the head guardian. That would mean I get special treatment, right!" I teased him. "Don't hold your breath Hathaway," he said lightly punching my arm.

I was quite for a little while when he said, " I didn't hurt you did I?" I started to laugh, "Don't flatter yourself, Greggy. I was just thinking that you're pretty young to be head guardian."

"I'm good at what I do Rosie!" he retaliated. If people could hear us they would truly believe we were siblings the way we were bantering. "Okay, I deserved that." I admitted. "I'll make a deal with you; if I promise to never call you Greggy again will you promise to never call me Rosie again?" I smirked.

"I don't know I actually like that name for you." He said taunting me. "Would you like to see a replay of our little sparring match. I don't have a problem breaking more of your ribs." I said raising an eyebrow but failing miserably. He began laughing so hard tears were forming in his eyes. I did smile when I seen him grab his sides. "I'm glad that I amuse you." I snorted. "I won't call you Rosie again as long as you promise to never do that again. Someone could die from a fit of laughter seeing you do that with your eyebrows." He snickered.

"You're an ass, you know that." I said shoving him. As he started to stumble backwards he grabbed my arm and we both landed on our asses. We both started laughing uncontrollably. After a few minutes he stood up than reached out and pulled me off the ground.

"We better quit fooling around. Headmaster is waiting for us." He asserted. We both brushed ourselves off and continued toward the administration office. Approaching the receptionist, she spoke. "Go right in Guardian Kane. He is expecting you. It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Hathaway." She said extending her hand to me. "Thank you." I said shaking her hand. I have to admit I was a little shocked at how she behaved towards me. I guess I'm use to people thinking the worst of me. She doesn't know me that well just give it some time, I told myself.

Gregori pulled me from my thoughts as he lightly brushed my arm. "Come on, his office is right over here." I nodded my head and followed him into the Headmasters office.

Headmaster Svetkova was seated behind his desk when we entered his office. He looked up from the stack of papers he was looking over when he heard us. "Guardian Kane… Miss Hathaway, please come in," he said standing up from his chair. He was much younger than Kirova. He stood about 5'7"; he had short brown hair. His eyes were a lighter green. Not as dark as Adrian's. "I must tell you Miss Hathaway, we are pleased to have you here at St. Augustine's." he proclaimed. " I don't mean no disrespect Headmaster Svetkova, but have you read my file." I asked showing my confusion.

"That was not at all disrespectful Rosemarie. Do you mind if I call you Rosemarie?" He questioned. "I would prefer that you call me Rose." I replied.

"Well Rose the answer to your question is yes, I have read your file. Guardian Kane and myself are extremely impressed. I also hear that you are someone to be reckoned with when it comes to your fighting skills." He said this glancing over at Gregori with a smile playing on his lips. "I hear that Guardian Belikov was your mentor at St. Vladimir's. He is one of the best guardians, so I am little curious as to why you would leave."

My heart sunk at just the mention of his name, and all the emotions from earlier came rushing back. Before I could say anything Gregori spoke up. "Headmaster, Rose left for personal reasons. It's not something she likes to talk about." He explained. Gregori gave me a sympathetic glance.

"I'm sorry Rose, I didn't mean to bring up any bad memories." He said with empathy.

"I will be fine, thank you for understanding. Headmistress Kirova is the only one who knows that I'm here, and I was hoping we could keep it that way if at all possible."

"I will certainly keep the information to myself." He professed.

"Thank you." I bowed my head in appreciation.

"You can go now, I only wanted to introduce myself and tell you if there is anything I can do for you don't hesitate to ask. I have a feeling you will prove to be a great asset to our academy." He spoke with absolute conviction.

Before I turned to leave I said " Thank you again Headmaster, I appreciate your confidence in me." Gregori and I were about to walk out the door when the Headmaster spoke again. " Guardian Kane I have something to discuss with you if you have a moment."

"Rose can you wait for me out in the reception area? This shouldn't take long." He said. I shook my head in acknowledgement and walked out to the reception area. I needed some air so I told the receptionist to tell Guardian Kane I would be waiting outside. Sitting here on the steps I couldn't get Dimitri out of my mind. I needed to hear his voice. I had only been out there about five minutes when I heard Gregori come up behind me. "Are you okay Rose?"

"No!" I said covering my face. He sat down next to me, handing me his phone he said, "Call him." I don't know what I was thinking when I took the phone. I knew I shouldn't but I couldn't stop myself. I dialed his number. I could feel the panic building in me. What was I going to say to him? Then all of a sudden I heard the most wonderful voice. "Belikov" he answered.

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Thanks,

Marla