Rating: K

Summary: With a new law in place Rose is forced away from Lissa and into a family in Russia. Can you guess who's?

POV: Rose

Word Count: 1,115

#21: Abandonment Issues

Apparently some new decree says that every child has to be raised in a family so here I am, alone in Russia going to meet some people I've never seen before. All of this because my mom was killed in battle and my dad isn't really alive anywhere and even if he was as the judge put it 'he's not the best father figure'. So obviously shipping me to Russia is the answer. The dinky little taxi dropped me off in front of a house, I'd never seen it in my life, in fact I'm not even sure I know where I am. Either way I take my one bag of stuff and move my ass, I knock on the door and wait patiently. In the back of my mind I can see Lissa is doing the same thing I am. I wish I could have gone to the palace with her, but it doesn't matter I'll train hard and get back to Montana where I'll be her guard.

The door opened and a guy who didn't look much older than me was in the doorway. "Rosemarie Hathaway?" he asked in English, thank God.

"Rose," I corrected looking down at my feet.

"I see. Well please," he gestured inside "come in."

I nodded to him and walked inside and took a peak around. "Your house is very nice," I said quietly.

"Thank you," a woman's voice could be heard from inside. She walked out wiping her hands on her apron. She was skinny and her hair hung in curls. "I'll be acting as your mom, you're welcome to call me mom Rosemarie."

I went to correct her but the man spoke before I could "she prefers Rose mom."

"Oh I'm sorry Rose."

I smiled lightly "it's not a problem."

"Mom do you need help in the kitchen?"

"No Dimitri not at all, show Rose up to her room."

"Of course mama," he said and started up the stairs. I followed him up to a small room and set my one small bag down next to the door. "It's not much but it's a roof over your head," he mumbled.

"Thank you, it's very lovely."

"I hope it's to your liking." He left after that and I sat alone in my room.

About an hour later there was a knock on my door. I sat up now in only short shorts and a sports bra. "Come in," Dimitri walked in holding a novel in his hand.

"Dinner's re-" he cut himself off as he looked up and blood rushed his cheeks. "What are you thinking!" he screamed slamming the door shut. I heard hurried footsteps on the stairs.

The door burst open and my new mother stood in the doorway panic on her face. "What's wrong?"

"She's sitting there in that!" Dimitri screamed pointing accusingly at me.

"O Dimitri!" mother scolded. "Rose is welcome to be in her room wearing anything. However dead," she turned to me "I would appreciate it if you'd wear a shirt at dinner."

"Yes of course," I said getting up and picking my shirt off the floor.

After about a week staying with the Belikov family I learned a lot. Victoria liked to sneak out. Dimitri liked to drag her back in. My grandma spoke English but pretended not to. And every now and again a small boy showed up and wouldn't let go of my pant leg.

It was on one such day that I was outside hanging clothes to dry when I saw Dimitri practicing. I stared at him and the boy pulled my pant leg. "Sissy," Caleb mumbled. "Do you like him?"

I stared down at him "nonsense Caleb," I snapped "he's like a brother to me."

Caleb stuck his small thumb in his mouth and looked down. "Caleb," I snapped and swatted his finger out of his mouth. "Didn't your mother ever tell you not to do that?"

"I don't have a mommy," he said.

My heart twanged as I stared down at the small boy. "Caleb go inside and help my mom ok?" Caleb nodded, hugged my leg, and went. I walked over to Dimitri and ducked under the kick the threw "hey!" I yelled.

He stopped "sorry," he said sheepishly.

"Caleb doesn't have a family," I said not knowing exactly.

"I know," Dimitri said and went back to punching the air.

My blood boiled under my skin. "So why haven't you done anything!"

Dimitri looked at me "if you haven't noticed I'm the only one that works in this house. Mom stays home to take care of grandma and Victoria is too busy goofing off. Then there's you who shows up out of nowhere and doesn't do a thing all day!"

I looked down ashamed "I'll get a job but I want that boy."

"No I can't afford more people."

"I told you I'd get a job!" I yelled at him, tears coming to my eyes.

"That will help with bills and food for the people we already have we don't need more people!"

"I'm not abandoning him!"

"What is with you?"

"I know what it's like!" I yelled tears streaming down my cheeks now and my voice unnaturally high. "I grew up without parents and I turned out like crap. But this boy still has a chance. He can still be sweet and loving all he needs is a chance."

Dimitri sighed and took me into his arms. "We'll both need to get two jobs," he mumbled.

I grasped him tightly "thank you."

"I'll help you," he said "the boy will need a mother and a father."

I wiped my eyes quickly "so then are you marring me?" I teased.

"No but going out isn't out of the question," he bent down and kissed me.

I allowed it but when he pulled away I looked at him confused. "That was a little random don't you think?"

"I supposed but Rose," he said taking my face in his hands "you've brought a light to this family that you can't even see. Victoria doesn't bring guys home anymore, that's a start at least. Mom is happier more often and grandma is starting to speak English. On top of that you're giving that boy a home. I may not have known you that long but I see a light in you. And I want it, I want you. And even though it's soon I'd like to go out with you."

I looked at him with the man-eater smile that I hadn't used in a while "we'll see Dimitri, we'll see." With that I turned on a dime and went out with Caleb to look for a job.