Here's the moment we've all been waiting (And dreading) for. The LAST chapter of ALS! I'll admit, I'm upset. I had so much fun writing this story for the past year and 5 months. Thank you, for the support you guys have given me. You all are amazing. Since it's the last, I made it extra long (: Enjoy! Oh! And if you want to be emailed about when I post a new story, put me on your author alert list. Or follow me on Twitter! The link's on my profile! I don't know what kind of story/when I'll write a story, but I do know it'll be before Christmas (: I'm going to miss you guys so much :( Promise you'll follow me on Twitter/message me on here? (: I don't bite! I love you all SOOOOO much! xoxoxo
Under the pink blanket was a beautiful baby. My baby-our baby. She was awake, her beautiful eyes looking around.
"She has your eyes," I said to Dimitri without looking away from her.
"And she has your hair," I could hear the smile in his voice. "And your beautiful skin."
"That can't be all me," I laughed. "I can't believe she came out of me."
I finally broke away from her, smiling up at Audrey who was beaming down at us.
"Want to name her real quick so I can get out of your hair and give you some privacy?"
I smiled. "Yes."
She grabbed the clipboard she'd set on my table and sat on the chair on the other side of my bed.
"First name?"
"D-e-m-i-t-r-a."
She scribbled Demitra down on the paper.
"Middle name?"
"She's going to have 2. A-l-e-x-a-n-d-e-r and C-h-r-i-s-t-i-a-n."
She smiled as she wrote them down.
"And Belikov will be the last name right?"
"Yes."
"Okay," she said as she wrote that down. "Then I need both signatures and I'll be out of your way."
She handed me the clipboard with her pen and we both signed it.
"Thank you. The name is beautiful, like your daughter," she smiled. "I'll be back later. Have fun."
I smiled back at her. "Thank you."
She left the room, closing the door behind her. I'd gotten out of my bed and walked over to Demitra. Dimitri had gotten up with me and stood beside me, looking down at her.
"Do you want to hold her, Rose, since you couldn't after giving birth to her?"
"Sure," I said as I sat back down on the bed.
He picked her up, taking her out of the drawer looking thing and walked over to my bed. I held my arms out and he placed her in my arms. She's so small. I slowly caressed her head, her hair already full of my dark brown, curly hair. I kissed the top of her hair and smiled up at Dimitri. He smiled back at me. He sat down beside me on the bed and rubbed my leg. I slowly rocked Demitra back and forth and watched her fall asleep.
"Do you want to feed her, Rose?"
I looked up at Dimitri. "Not now. She's asleep."
He smiled. "Already?"
"Yes. I didn't have to rock her much before she fell asleep," I grinned. "Do you want to hold her for a while?"
"Sure."
He got off the bed and grabbed her, sitting on the chair next to the bed. He looked down at her as he held her, gently rocking her. It was just absolutely perfect. All I need is the rest of my family and it will be 100% perfect. I should really call the nurse and tell her to let everyone else in..I picked up my phone and dialed my mom.
"Hello! How are you feeling?"
"Hi. Not too bad. Exhausted more than anything."
She laughed. "I was too. Having a child's exhausting."
"It is. I don't know if I want any more."
I could hear the smile in her voice. "I can see you and Dimitri having more."
"Really?"
"Really. You guys are so in love. Why not?"
"Money. Time. A bunch of things."
"It won't be horrible. And I mean, your mother, you and Dimitri are famous guardians and your best friend's the Queen. What could go wrong?"
I smiled. "That's true. But I don't know."
"After a few years you'll want more. It's sad to see you guys grow up. You're so precious as a baby. You grow up too quickly."
"I hope Demitra doesn't."
"Oh, she will. It only takes a few months for them to change. It's sad, but so exciting at the same time. We'll get to see her grow up into her own person."
"Now that I think about it, I will want more children," I laughed.
Dimitri gave me one of his looks. I smiled at him.
"How does Dimitri feel about that?"
"Well when I said it, he gave me one of his looks," I laughed.
She laughed with me. "So when do I get to see and hold my grandchild?"
I smiled. "You can come whenever. I'll have to tell the nurse to let you through though."
"What do you mean?"
"Dimitri and I wanted alone time with her. I told them not to let anyone through."
"Are you sure you guys want me up there?"
"Of course!"
"Alright. I'll be up in about 10 minutes. I'll talk to you when I get there."
"Okay, I love you."
"I love you too. Bye."
"Bye."
We hung up and I looked back at Dimitri and Demitra. I smiled. He looked up and smiled back at me.
"You guys are beautiful together."
He grinned. "You're beautiful with her too. Is your mom coming up here or something?"
"Yes. She'll be up in 10. I need to call the nurses station."
"Here, I'll just go down there and tell them."
"Okay."
He handed me Demitra again and left down the hall. I held her close and kissed the top of her head. She has that baby smell. It's hard to describe. But it smells amazing. I wonder when I'll be able to give her a bath..If I CAN give her one. I have no idea how to give a baby a bath. I can hardly deal with little kids. How am I going to handle a baby? Wait a second Rose. Dimitri has a niece and a nephew. He knows how to care for children. It'll be fine. And the nurses will show me, I'm sure.
"Back. Do you want to hold her longer?"
"No, you can have her back. I need to go to the bathroom."
"Okay."
He took Demitra from me and I sat up in bed. I swung my legs over the side and stood up. My legs were so numb and tired. Can I make it to the bathroom? Yes, Rose. You're not that stupid. You had a baby. It's not like you were hit by a bus. Stop it. I walked over to the bathroom and went. I washed my hands when I was done and walked back to the bed. I laid back and closed my eyes.
"Tired still?"
"Exhausted."
"Do you want to sleep?"
"No, I want to see my mom for a while."
"You sure? I can tell her to come another time."
"No, it's fine. I'll be alright."
I laid in bed while he sat next to me, rocking Demitra and looking down at her. Occasionally rubbing her head or back too. After a bit, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in!"
I expected to see my mom, but a nurse's head popped in the doorway.
"Hello! I'm Carol. I'm here to show you breast feeding and all of that. Do you know if you want to breast feed or no?"
"I'd like to try."
"Excellent! Let's get you settled while daddy has her."
In a matter of 2 minutes, she had the top of my gown pulled down to my waist, my boobs all out and Demitra in her arms.
"Oh, you might want to lock the door or something. My mom's on her way."
"No worries. It isn't locked, but there's a sign on it."
"Okay."
"Alright, so first you take Demitra," she said as she handed her to me.
I held her and looked back up at Carol for the next step.
"Next, you hold her like this," she said as she moved her arms to make it look like she was holding a football.
I copied her with Demitra.
"Good, good! Now let me help with this next part. You have to help her find your boob. She can't do it herself."
It was weird, being touched by someone else in an intimate area, but it didn't really matter to me. She was helping me bond more with my baby girl.
"Good. Now keep her there for about 10 minutes then call me back here and we'll burp her."
"Okay."
She left and I watched Demitra eat. It was peaceful, watching her eat. Dimitri was watching her too, mesmerized. I smiled at him.
"Do you want your mother in here now or would it be too weird?"
"Oh, it doesn't matter to me. I'm sure she's anxious. Go ahead and let her in."
"Okay," he said as he got up and walked over to the door.
My mom was already outside the door, waiting to come in. As soon as Dimitri opened the door, she ran in to see us. She had the biggest smile on her face when she saw Demitra. I smiled up at her.
"When she's done eating, do you want to hold her mom?"
"Of course!"
"Alright. She said to wait 10 minutes before stopping her so we can burp her."
She smiled. "They're already teaching you stuff."
"Yepp. It's exciting. Even though I don't really need it."
"What do you mean?"
"I have you, Dimitri, Olena, Karolina, Yeva and Sonya to show me this stuff. I don't really need it."
"True, but it always helps to have the nurses show you how to do everything."
"Yeah. But I'm ready to get out of here."
She laughed. "I know how you feel. But they're all planning some welcome home party at your house. You can't come home until tomorrow afternoon."
"Awe, that's sweet of them. I hope there isn't a whole lot of people though. She can't be around so many people."
"It's mostly for you, with your kidnapping and everything. You can choose whoever can see Demitra tomorrow. Not everyone has to see her."
"Who's all invited?"
"You'll see. It won't be too bad, promise. But if there's someone there that you don't want there, tell me and they'll be gone."
"I don't think Lissa would invite people I don't really want to see."
"Yeah. But who knows what's going on in her head."
I laughed. "Very true."
It'd been about 8 minutes since I started feeding Demitra. I should probably call the nurse down so we can get ready to burp her.
"Dimitri, can you call the nurse down? It's been about 10 minutes."
He pressed the call button and a minute later the nurse came down.
"So you're ready to burp her?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Slowly pull her away and hold her against you, her head on your shoulder. Don't forget to give her head support."
I did what she said.
"Now tap on her back. You don't have to be gentle about it. It won't hurt her, just don't hit her back hard. Tap her back like this," she said as she demonstrated it on her back.
I tapped on her back until she burped. I smiled big when she did. The nurse was smiling too.
"Great! Now here's a sheet with everything you need to know about feeding her and when."
Dimitri took the paper from her and looked over it.
"Any questions?"
"No, thank you."
"Alright! Call if you need anything."
"I will, thanks."
She nodded and left the room.
"Ready to hold her mom?"
She smiled. "Yes."
She got up and stood next to the bed. I handed her to her and she sat back down, looking at Demitra and holding her close.
"She looks just like you guys. Your hair and Dimitri's eyes."
We both smiled at her.
"Thank you, Janine."
"You're welcome. Thank you for giving me my first grandchild."
I laughed. "I don't think Dimitri wants anymore children right now."
"Oh, he will soon. It won't be long."
"If she'll grow as fast as you say, it won't be long until I want another, mom."
~ 2 Hours Later, Adrian's POV ~
It really surprised me that I was invited to Rose's party. I mean, I know Lissa had sent the invites and everything, but still. But I guess I was there when she'd given birth to their baby. We really need to talk and work on our friendship or whatever this is. I'm surprised Lissa even knew where I lived. No one knows. Well, except my mom. Dad doesn't know. Exactly how I want it. I don't need him lecturing me more for dropping out of college. It's my life, not his. I don't need college. I lit a cigarette and took a long drag from it. I blew the smoke up into the air above me. It's cold for March. But I don't really care. I like being outside. And you can't smoke inside the bar. Screw the no smoking in public places law these silly humans made. What's wrong with a little smoke?
"Do you always smoke this much?"
I looked in the direction where the woman's voice came from. Noelle. I smirked at her.
"Not always."
"Why not always?"
"I have a lot on my mind."
"Oh? Like what?"
"Well my ex, Rose, just had her baby and I was invited to her 'welcome home' party tomorrow afternoon."
"Are you going?"
"I don't know yet."
"You should go and support her."
"You think?"
"Yes. It may hurt, but you shouldn't let that pain keep you from living your life. The two of you have the same friends. You shouldn't shove everyone away because of the past. You'll never move on."
"Will you go with me?"
"Is that allowed?"
"I'm not sure. I'd have to call Lissa."
"Call her and ask. If you need my support, I'll go."
"Okay, I'll call her when I'm finished."
"With the pack?"
I chuckled. "No, with this cigarette."
She smiled. "Alright." She wrapped her arms around me.
It amazes me still that she can stand my cigarettes, as much as she complains about me smoking them. My "nasty clove cigarettes". I smiled to myself. Rose couldn't stand them. She hated it when I smoked them around her. Noelle doesn't care. She never has. Ever since the day I met her, she hasn't judged me. It's an amazing feeling.
"Looks like your cigarette's out. Call Lissa now."
I smirked. "In a hurry?"
"Sort of. I've never been to the United States. I'm excited."
"Really?"
"Really."
"We'll have to take a trip there sometime, instead of having to go over there for a reason."
She smiled. "Thank you!"
"You're welcome."
~ Lissa's POV ~
"Don't forget the balloons tomorrow! We need balloons!"
Jeez. You'd think people would listen to me more. The balloons are needed for tomorrow and no one ordered them when I told them to. I might as well do everything myself.
"Lissa, calm down. Everything will be fine."
"I know, Christian, but I want everything perfect for Rose and my little niece."
He smiled. "I know you do. But they'll be fine. Don't worry so much. You'll get worked up for nothing."
I hugged him tightly. "Okay. Are you not wanting the baby early?" I joked.
He grinned. "I do, but I don't. I want him 100% healthy."
"Rose's baby is healthy and she was born early."
"I know, but that was a miracle. That doesn't always happen."
"I know, I know."
"So what are we going to do now?"
"I don't know. There isn't much to do until the party tomorrow."
"We could go home and relax?"
"Yeah, that sounds good."
"But really, don't worry. We're all here to help. Everything will be just fine."
I kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Christian."
"For what?"
"Being here for me. You didn't have to marry my crazy ass."
He laughed. "But I fell in love with you because you're a crazy ass."
I grinned big. "Awe, Christian..."
~ Dimitri's POV ~
I was walking down the hallway to the waiting room. I decided to give Rose and Janine some time alone with Demitra. At the moment, I was the only person in the waiting room. I walked over to the coffee maker in the corner and poured myself some in a mug. I sat down in a chair and sipped it, watching the news. It was so shocking, thinking about Demitra finally being here. And how much she looked like Rose and I. She's so beautiful. Hopefully as she grows into a woman, she looks more like Rose. I wouldn't look too pretty as a girl. I smiled to myself and sipped my coffee. Would Rose really want more children soon? If so, I really need to tell Yeva to mix up more of those herbs she made so we could make Demitra. It'd be so much easier for us to move to Russia..But I know Rose wouldn't want to. She'd be away from Janine, Lissa, Christian, everyone. Let alone, have to learn a new language. But it would make a great vacation, going to Russia...My thoughts were interrupted by a woman and an older woman walking into the waiting room.
"I'm sorry, is it a bother for us to be in here?"
"Oh, no. You're fine."
"Okay, thank you."
I nodded and resumed my thoughts. Once a year, we could fly over to Russia and visit. Then Demitra can see her other grandmother and aunts. They could fly over here too. Maybe they could fly over for Christmas and we fly over there for summer.
"Dimitri Belikov?"
A woman was standing in the doorway. I stood up.
"Yes?"
"Your wife wants you. Ms. Hathaway's leaving soon."
"Okay, thank you."
I walked out of the waiting room and down the hall to Rose's room.
~ Rose's POV ~
"Your mom left already?"
"Yeah, she had to get going."
"So how was her visit?"
"Fun. I missed her. It was nice."
"That's good. So I was thinking about things while I left."
"What things?"
"Going to Russia every summer. And my family coming over here every Christmas."
"Really?"
"Really. At first I considered moving, but we're doing so great here and it'd be hard for you."
"I've thought about moving there too. But I couldn't leave Lissa, Christian, and everything else here. And it'd be hard, learning a whole new language."
"Wouldn't be easy to get another family to guard over there either. We're doing so well now, being the Queen's guardians and everything."
"I know. But I like the idea of yearly flying."
"Me too. Demitra can see her other grandmother and all of my family over the summer."
"It sounds great Dimka," I smiled.
He smiled and sat on the bed beside me.
"Ready to go home?"
"Oh, yes. I miss the house and everything in it."
He grinned. "The house missed you too. It felt so empty without the two of you."
"I bet. I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault, Rose. It's their fault. They kidnapped you. You didn't know they were going to."
"Yeah, but I wouldn't have met her if I didn't leave my office like you said. I should've listened."
"It's fine, Rose. Trust me. You're here now, and so is our beautiful baby girl. You're both safe. It's fine."
I hugged him tightly. He hugged me back and we sat there for a few minutes, hugging each other. A knock on the door made us let go.
"Hello! I'm here to get Demitra."
"Already?"
"Yeah..it's almost dinner time. I'm sorry."
"It's alright. Are we still getting to leave in the afternoon?"
"Of course! We'll have you guys packed up and ready to go by 12 pm."
"Good, thank you."
"No problem!" She said as she wheeled Demitra out of the room.
"And there she goes..."
"Until tomorrow, at least," Dimitri said as he laid his head on my shoulder.
"We could visit her before bed. Look at her through that window."
He smiled. "Yeah, we could."
"Are you going to sleep here with me?"
"Of course. Do you want me to?"
"Of course!"
He smirked. "Good. So what do you want for dinner?"
"I'm not sure. Are you able to bring me stuff?"
"I have no idea. I'll have to go ask the nurse."
"Go ask!"
He laughed. "Let me guess, you want chocolate donuts."
I smiled. "You know me so well."
~ 3 Hours Later ~
"Ready for bed yet?"
Dimitri and I were sitting in the room and watching tv.
"Not yet. I want to go see Demitra then I'll be ready for bed."
"Okay. Let's go."
We got up and walked down to the area where the babies are at. We stood in front of the window and looked at Demitra. She was sound asleep. She was so peaceful when she slept. Dimitri wrapped his arm around my waist while we looked at her. He kissed the top of my head.
"I know you want to watch her forever, I do too, but we need to get to bed Roza. We have to pack up in the morning."
"I know.."
"Let's go.."
"Okay."
I let him pull me all the way to the room.
"Want me to sleep in the bed with you?"
"Please."
"Okay."
We curled up in the bed together and he turned the tv off.
"Goodnight, Roza. I love you."
"I love you too. Night."
~ The Next Day ~
We started backing up at 10 AM, it's now 11 AM. It's not like I had much to pack up. I was kidnapped for Christ's sake. But at least I was able to go to a hospital after birth. As soon as we finish all of the paperwork and signing out process, we can finally leave and go home. Part of me is excited to go home to a welcome home party, but the other part of me isn't. I want time alone with my wonderful husband and beautiful daughter. But I guess that'll have to wait until everyone leaves.
"We need you to sign where the red x's are, and you can leave," said the nurse that's been in our room talking to Dimitri about the paperwork.
I absentmindedly signed my name where I was told to, then Dimitri signed where he needed to.
"Alright, I'll get a wheelchair, then we'll head out."
"Okay, thank you."
"Yepp," she said as she walked out of the room.
"You okay Rose?"
"Yes, why?"
"You seem distant."
"Just thinking, that's all."
"About what?"
"My welcome home party."
"Do you want me to tell Lissa to cancel it?"
"No, no. It's fine. I'm just having mixed feelings about it. I want to see everyone, but then again I want alone time at home with my husband and daughter."
"I know how you feel. And especially after you being kidnapped, you'd want alone time."
"I'll be fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, but I don't want them there for over 2 hours."
"Okay, I'll tell Lissa that."
"Thank you."
"No problem. I know how you're feeling. Well, besides the kidnapping and being away from home part," he laughed.
I smiled. The nurse came back in with the wheelchair. I sat down in it with Demitra in my arms and we went down the elevator to the car.
~ 20 Minutes Later ~
We finally made it to my welcome home party. Everyone was super happy to see me. Lissa did an amazing job, planning my party. It's so pretty and all of the people I wanted here, are here. I constantly have to leave so I could check on Demitra and change her diaper or feed her, but the party's fun. Even Adrian showed up, and with a beautiful black haired woman. They act like they're together..I really hope they are. It'd be good for Adrian. Help him move on from me breaking his heart.
"Are you going to come back to the party?" Lissa said in the doorway of the nursery.
I turned around and smiled at her. "Yes, don't get your panties in a knot. I'm checking on my daughter.
She smiled. "She really is beautiful, Rose. I'm proud of you guys."
"Thank you, Liss."
"Of course. So are you ready to come back?"
I laughed. "Yes, yes."
"Good! We bought a cake!"
"Really?"
"Really! It's chocolate too! Come on!"
"Okay!"
I followed her down the stairs to the living room where everyone's at and Lissa brought in the cake. She gave a speech about how she's glad I'm home, glad I had Demitra, glad for my beautiful family. The speech brought tears to my eyes. We toasted some wine and she started cutting the cake on the coffee table. Once everyone had cake, everyone separated into little groups, talking about different things and occasionally asking me a question or two. I decided to sit down next to Adrian and talk to him.
"Hey, Adrian."
He looked surprised, but he cleared the surprise from his face and smiled. "Hey."
"How've you been?"
"Oh, the usual. Drunk and content," he laughed. "How've you been?"
"Not too bad. I mean, I was just kidnapped and had a baby. I'd say I'm not too bad."
We laughed together. "Well that's somewhat good."
I smiled. "So who's the girl?"
"Oh, she's Noelle. I met her in Europe."
"You were in Europe?"
"Yepp."
"Wow. That's awesome. I'm happy for you. Are you guys together?"
He laughed. "I don't know yet."
"You guys are so cute together. You should ask her out."
He smiled. "I might. I don't know."
I smiled and hugged him. He stiffened, but soon recovered and wrapped his arms around me, hugging me back.
"Seriously, ask her out Adrian. I can tell you're both crazy for each other."
"You think?"
"Yes! I really do."
"Well I'll have to once we're back in Europe."
I smiled. "Good!"
"Rose?!"
Adrian smirked. "She sounds irritated. You better get over there."
"Okay. It was great seeing you again. Call me sometime."
"It was great seeing you too. And I will."
We smiled at each other and I walked over to Lissa.
"What's wrong?"
"I was wondering where you were because it's time to say goodbye to everyone."
"Already?"
"Yes. We all agreed to stop the party at 2 so you guys can be alone and you can reconnect with your family and Dimitri."
"Awe..that's so sweet of you guys. Thank you."
"No problem! You and Dimitri have to stand at the door and say goodbye to everyone."
"Okay. I'll go get him."
While she got everyone ready, I grabbed Dimitri and we stood at the front door with it open. We shook hands, and hugged the people that were family or close friends. Once we finished, it was just me, Dimitri, Lissa, my mom and Christian.
"I'm glad you're back Rose," Christian said as he hugged me.
"Thank you, it's great to be home," I said as I hugged him back tightly.
"We'll be over tomorrow. Goodbye."
"Goodbye you two!"
We all hugged and they left. Next was my mom.
"Thank you mom. I love you."
"I love you too honey. Call me if you need me!"
"Okay!"
We hugged and kissed her and she left. Dimitri shut and locked the door, then we walked up to the nursery to see Demitra. We stood next to her crib, looking down at her. She was sound asleep. We smiled at each other.
"She's perfect, Dimitri."
"I know."
"I love her so much."
"I love her too. She's my second favorite girl."
"Who's the first?"
"You," he smiled.
"Awe!"
I hugged him tightly and he kissed me deeply. I kissed him back deeply. We stood there for God knows how long, staring down at our beautiful miracle. I think I'm going to like this life, being a wonderful wife to Dimitri and a wonderful mother to Demitra. I smiled to myself and couldn't stop. God, life can be so perfect sometimes.
Please review! Xoxoxo I love you all so much.