Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Academy and neither of its characters. That is all the work of the marvelous author Richelle Mead. I just own the plot of this story.
CHAPTER 53 - Graduation day
It is true that time flies when you enjoy yourself.
Today was my big day. Another school year has passed. I was going to graduate today.
My mom and dad came to my ceremony. They were so happy to see their daughter into a black cap and gown. My mother even let some tears fall. I almost never seen her cry. It was so touching. I have finally done something right and they were so proud of me. And I loved them so much. Even Lissa and the grouchy Christian were there. She kept on hugging me and squealing every five minutes or so.
Everybody was there. Except one person. Dimitri. He was late. Mister Military was late. Exactly today, from all of the days. The ceremony was about to start and he wasn't there. I wanted to pretend that I was fainting or that there was a bomb attack or something just to delay the beginning, but I thought it would be better not to ruin everybody's day.
Did he forget? He must have forgotten. Otherwise he would be here. Well, his loss. He was going to have to deal with a pissed off Roza when he got home. I couldn't wait to see how he was going to pull it through. I was going to be especially unresponsive, just for him.
The ceremony began. The principal was holding his boring speech. I didn't bother to listen. My mind was in another place. Why wasn't he here? He told me that he spoke to his superior to give him permission today. What if they made him stay and deal with some naughty students? He was having now an important role in educating the young minds, nevertheless.
Flashback:
We were laying one day in bed and I asked him if he enjoyed what he was doing before quitting.
'Yes, I did enjoy it very much. I have always liked these things. It was my dream since I was little.'
'Yeah, I can tell. You really like playing the general with me.'
'Oh, Roza, but you enjoy it, too. Very much I can say. For example last night you..'
'Hey, hey, hey, don't you change the subject. I am trying to keep my thoughts in order now. And with you bringing into discussion last night doesn't help me. At all.' he chuckled, somehow proud of himself. 'So, as I was saying. You did enjoy your work. Do you miss it too?'
He thought about it for a second. 'Yes. I think that I miss it too.'
'So, if I would tell you about an announcement I found would you consider it?'
'What is it about?'
'Well, a Marine school nearby is looking for an instructor who would help them educate the young minds of poor kids who choose to follow this path. How that sounds? If you don't like it, I won't bring it up anymore. I just thought that you won't have to work with bastards. And you will get the chance to inspire young people to do good.'
He seemed to have a little fight with himself inside. Then, he turned to me, smiling. 'I like this idea.'
And so he got back to what he loved to do. It made a big difference. He became happier. And I was so happy for him. And he was so good at it and so competent. In four months, he already advanced. I knew that in a relatively short period he would get to be the boss around that place. He was simply the best at everything he did. He didn't graduate at the top of his class for nothing.
It was time for us to go on stage and receive our diplomas. As I was getting up the stairs attached to the stage, I searched through the crowd. I saw Lissa (she was so beautiful, dressed in a baby blue dress that matched her golden hair) next to Christian (as always, dressed in black) and my parents who were having big smiles glued to their face. Next to them was an empty seat. I made a face and I continued the search and, as I got to the front of the stage, I saw a very tall someone approaching fast. Was that him? Then he looked up. It was him. My man. He was wearing a navy-blue Marine uniform, his hair almost slipping away from the hair band and that beautiful mess was all over his face. He looked flushed. Has he been running? Then my eyes met that pool of chocolate and everything was alright in my world. He lifted his hand and I could see that he was holding a bouquet of peonies. He gestured towards them and mouthed: ''the flowers''. Oh, he was late because of them. It didn't matter. He was there now. I gave him a big reassuring smile and shook my hand telling him that it didn't matter.
It took a while to get to the letter H, but now my name has been called and I stepped forward to get my diploma. I did that thing with moving your tassel and posed for a photo. As I was getting down the stage, I saw my gang applauding and cheering. How could you possibly not love them?
When all of the ceremony was over, we went to a fancy restaurant to celebrate. We all laughed and had a good time. It was now around six in the evening when we said our goodbyes and Dimitri and I were on our way home.
'I am sorry for being late. But I went to three flower shops to find those.' he said pointing my bouquet.
'It's okay. I knew you will be there.' yeah, but I still doubted he would arrive and planned to make his life miserable, but anyway 'and it was worth the effort, comrade. Because they are gorgeous. And they smell divine. I love when you bring me flowers.'
We were close to our building.
'Um, do you feel like making a little visit to the market?'
'Why? Do you need something?'
'Maybe.'
'What is it?'
'I want ice cream.'
'But you already had a cheesecake.'
'Yeah, I know. But Lissa's ice cream looked delicious and now I am craving some. Can we go, please?'
'Fine, we'll go. It's your special day and we are doing everything you want.'
