Tasha looked like a fish out of water as she looked at Dimitri and I, shoulder to shoulder on the couch. Her eyes looked at the two of us with uncertainty before Dimitri quickly filled in the void of silence.
"Tasha, it's lovely to see you."
Tasha nodded and turned to close the door, pulling her bags into the cabin as she did. Was she staying here? In our cabin?
"Dimitri was just giving me my graduation gift," I said, gesturing to the wooden box.
"Graduation's not for a few days," Tasha replied skeptically.
"Yes, but I wanted Rose to see it before the graduation ceremony. My mentor Galina gave two stakes as my graduation gift, and I'm passing them down to Rose," Dimitri cut in. Leave it to him to smooth over the awkwardness. Tasha furrowed her brows and set her key to the cabin on the coffee table, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Ok, but I still don't understand why you two are in here."
"We hang out here sometimes. Especially when I struggle with what happened in Spokane," I added in.
The mention of Spokane softened her expression and her posture relaxed, and she sat down in the chair across from us. It seemed that she understood that I may have needed someone who could sympathize with me over what happened.
Tasha gave me a small smile and pointed at the box. "Can I see them?" she asked. I looked over and Dimitri and the look he gave me said that it was up to me.
I shrugged and opened the box, lifting one of them out and holding it for her to look at. I didn't want her to touch them. It seemed wrong to let her touch them.
"They're beautiful. Did you do all of that, Dimka?" Tasha whispered, turning her attention to Dimitri.
Dimitri shook his head. "No. The stakes were originally Galina's, and when she passed them to me she had the hilt engraving done. I had the proverb added when I was confident that Rose was going to graduate."
I turned and playfully smacked his chest. "You had doubts that I wasn't going to graduate?!" I exclaimed, feigning hurt. Dimitri chuckled and ruffled my hair, making me duck out from under his hand.
"No, I would have made sure you graduated. I just needed to see how long it would take."
I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms, leaning back into the couch. I knew in my heart that he had faith in me from the get-go.
"Have you seen Christian yet?" I asked, changing the subject away from why Dimitri and I were in here.
Tasha smiled and leaned back in her seat. "Yes, I did. He had mentioned a celebration dinner tomorrow?"
I nodded with a smirk. "Yep. Dad wanted to celebrate the Novices graduating to Guardians. The invite was extended to Lissa, Christian and yourself."
"That's very kind of you."
The three of us sat in silence for a few more moments before I couldn't take it anymore and jumped up.
"Well. I should get going. Do I get to take these with me or do I get them at the ceremony?"
"I'll give them to you formally at the graduation ceremony," Dimitri replied with a half-smile. I nodded and awkwardly bounced on the balls of my feet before saying goodnight and fleeing.
Lissa seemed to be enjoying the family outing more than I expected her to. But then again, it had been so long since she had a family to have an outing with. She had a smile on her face so wide I thought it was going to crack her cheeks. She was seated on one side of me with Christian on the other while leaning on the table towards Dad as he told an exuberant tale.
The table was crowded and we all squeezed in close to listen. Dimitri was on the other side of me with Tasha on his other side, my parents, Eddie and Adrian on the other side. The Guardians that came with us from the school and Abe's additional Guardians sat at a table just off to the side of us, blending in with the other patrons in the restaurant. We decided to go to an all-day breakfast bar given that it was our morning but to the humans, it was dinner time.
"So there she was, standing on top of the dining room table in a duck hooded towel screaming that Mr. Quack can't be alone in the bathtub," Dad explained over his laughter. I was slightly mortified at the tale of me as a child but happy to hear of them. Hell, even Dimitri laughed at some of the stories my parents told of me as a toddler and young child.
"So where did the name Rosemarie come from? It's very American for her background," Tasha said as she sipped her orange juice.
Dad smiled as he looked at me before responding. "Well, Rosemarie was a name that Jeanie always loved. Rose is also partly named after my sister, Aergul, which means blooming roses in Turkish. But the origin of Rosemarie is 'dew of the sea'. It's fitting since Rose never wanted to leave the water when living in Turkey."
I leaned forward in my seat with my mouth open in awe. "I lived in Turkey?"
"Yes," Mom replied. "We lived there until you turned four and then moved here when we brought you to the academy."
I sighed trying to imagine it, but even I couldn't picture it. Lissa was explaining to my parents about the time that her family and I went to Alaska on a summer break trip and how even though the water wasn't exceptionally warm, that I loved to swim in it. Mom and Dad both laughed at the story and agreed that I should have been born a mermaid instead of a Dhampir.
I felt content listening to the people around me converse as a family; even with Tasha and Adrian there. I may have had regards about the two but these people were all becoming my family. Eddie being one of my closest friends, my parents, Lissa my best friend and sister, Christian becoming steadily one of my friends. Adrian could be a huge pain in the ass but I knew that I was a part of his family as well.
And then there was Dimitri, who came into my life like a wrecking ball and yanked me out of my apartment in Portland, dragging me back to St. Vladimir's and turning my life around. I didn't realize how much I needed someone to believe in me for me to pull myself back together and get back into training. And here I was, nine months later, graduating. That and I couldn't imagine not having him in my life now.
Dad leaned back in his chair and fished envelopes out of his pocket, distributing them to Lissa, Christian, Eddie and myself. I looked down at the envelope confused and looked up at my dad.
"What are these?" Eddie asked, setting his down on the table.
"Graduation gifts, you all deserve them after the hell of a year you've had."
Out of politeness, we didn't open them right away, but looking at mine I could tell that mine was empty. It struck me as odd but I decided to wait to ask about it in private. Our breakfast/dinner arrived shortly after and I perked up at the prospect of eggs benedict. I didn't get it very often but it was my favourite aside from chocolate chip pancakes and bacon.
I observed Dimitri's egg white omelet with raised brows and a smirk. He was such a health nut. Although I noticed that Dad and Mom ordered something equally as healthy. I observed the table and looked over to see that the table of Guardians were eating breakfast feasts too. It made me happy to know that Dad wasn't the kind of Moroi to make his Guardians sit there and sip coffee while he ate.
"What are you planning to do when the lot graduates, Adrian?" Dad asked in the middle of his meal. Adrian had been playing with most of his meal, although I couldn't call it much of a meal because it was just a fried egg sandwich.
"Probably go back to court. Although, I've been thinking about taking an art class at a local college."
His statement stunned all of us into stillness. I was surprised to hear him say art classes but I could understand it. He always saw colours no matter what he did or what he looked at, so I could understand the appeal.
"I think you'd do well in that," I piped up from my spot across from him. He looked up and gave me a small genuine smile before returning his attention to his meal. I gobbled down my meal and leaned back in my chair with a happy sigh, my hand coming to rest on my bloated stomach. Dad had a smile on his face the whole time we were here and it made me happy to see how happy everyone was here. Everyone had a smile on their face - even Dimitri. Although it wasn't a full smile like he gave me when we were alone, it was a smile nonetheless.
When the waitress came around with the cheque, Tasha, Dimitri, Lissa and Adrian all reached for their wallets but Dad already had the bill paid, tip included. He also shelled out some bills for the meals for the Guardians before guiding us all outside. While the sun was starting to set, we climbed into the vehicles and took as little time as we could before we headed back towards the academy.
Lissa and Christian elected to ride back with Tasha, so they along with Dimitri went in one vehicle and Eddie and Adrian went back with the other school Guardians, leaving just me and my parents to go back with Pavel. I climbed into the backseat with Dad and leaned my head against the window, smiling at the full feeling in my stomach before speaking.
"I know my envelope was empty."
"That's correct, Kiz."
"So, no graduation gift?" I laughed, sitting up and looking at Dad. Mom turned around in the passenger seat and gave me a smile before looking to Dad.
"Go ahead, Abe. Spoil your daughter."
Dad chuckled and crossed his leg over the other before returning his attention to me.
"If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?"
I rolled my eyes and snorted a laugh. I didn't have money to go anywhere in the world, but I decided to indulge him anyway.
"I don't know. Bora Bora? Italy? Greece? Why?"
"You need to pick one dear, because in two weeks you and Lissa will be going to one."
Pardon me?
"I said that in two weeks, which is right after you move back to court that you and Lissa will be going on a trip. A three-week-long trip to be exact."
I gapped like a fish at them while Mom laughed at my expression. Were they serious? Where the hell did they get the money to do something like this? I was so shocked that Dad started to laugh too, leaning over to kiss my cheek and ruffling my hair.
"Don't look so shocked. If we had the opportunity to live all together we would have gone on trips all the time. I know that we can't take back the birthdays and Christmases missed, but I want to do what I can now before you start life as a Guardian.
I was still lost for words when the car lurched to a stop. Dad's arm swung out across my chest to keep me from flying forward in my seat before we both slammed back into the seats. I looked over Pavel's shoulder to see a car stranded in the middle of the road, the lights on but all the doors open. I shook my head as I unbuckled my seatbelt and leaned further over the middle console to see what was going on.
That was when the crippling wave of nausea hit me. I groaned and clutched at my stomach while trying to spit out the words.
"It's a Strigoi attack!" I bit out as Mom and Pavel moved into position. Mom ordered the two of us to stay in the car, slipping a stake to me just in case. I watched the Guardians move out of the other vehicles and I watched as Dimitri joined the fray too. I could feel myself practically bouncing in my seat as I watched at least fifteen Strigoi face off against the seven Guardians.
I felt useless as I watched but when I saw one Strigoi knock Mom down, her stake rolled away from her. Dad couldn't get a grip on me before I was out of the car, charging towards the Strigoi while rolling Mom's stake back towards her as I approached. I launched onto the Strigoi and knocked him off, giving Mom enough time to grab her stake and stake the Strigoi I was grappling with.
"I told you to stay in the car!" Mom hissed.
"You're welcome!" I replied back sarcastically as I rounded her, getting into position to cover her back. It was strange fighting with someone but I couldn't focus on that. I needed to be here in the now.
It was almost like breathing as I fought off Strigoi alongside Mom and I quickly staked a Strigoi. I spun around to see that one had slipped through us, and one that looked like it was ancient. I made sure Mom could handle herself before breaking off towards the car with Lissa and the others in it.
The Strigoi just made it to the car when a ring of flames erupted around his face, giving me just enough of a distraction to stake him. I could see Lissa inside the vehicle and I saw the look of relief on her face. I gave her a quick nod before turning around again to face the crowd. I was happy to see that Dimitri was taking down the last one before looking around, eyes landing on me.
"All good?" he asked, looking down to my stomach.
I stood there for a minute as I caught my breath, focusing on the feeling in my stomach before nodding.
"Yeah, we're all good. But I don't know for how long," I said, relaxing my position and sagging. I bent over and rested my hands on my knees for a moment before my stomach stirred again, but not in the same way. I stood upright and scampered to the grass before vomiting up my dinner, groaning when I finished. Maybe the heavy meal was a bad idea.
My hair was pulled out of my face and tissue was handed to me. I took it and stood up straight, turning to find Mom holding my hair back.
"Food didn't have enough time to settle. It happens to all of us," she sympathized. Well, now I felt less crappy about puking post-Strigoi fight.
"Alright, get back in the car. Your father is probably fit to be tied," Mom said, patting my back and directing me to the car. I looked over one last time to see Dimitri give me a firm but heartfelt look before slipping into his own car.
Mom was right - Dad was fit to be tied that I left the car. He barely said a word as we headed back but the moment we crossed the ward lines and got out of the car, he had me wrapped in a bear hug.
"Don't ever do that again," he growled in my ear, squeezing the crap out of me. I wrapped my arms around what I could of him and shrugged.
"That is what my job is going to be, Dad. There is always the risk."
Dad huffed and hugged me harder, even though I didn't think it was possible. I let him do it though because he needed the comfort and I wanted to give it. The Moroi, aside from Dad, were quickly sequestered away to their respective rooms before the Guardians, Eddie, Dad and I headed to see Alberta.
I wiped away at my mouth as we walked and I was grateful when a package of mints appeared in front of me. I smiled at Dimitri as he offered them to me and popped a few in my mouth.
"Is this why you carry mints with you everywhere?" I joked sarcastically. Dimitri shrugged and nudged my shoulder. Alberta was waiting for us outside her office with Kirova and we made our way in quietly. Kirova kicked up a fuss about me and Eddie being there but Mom quickly stepped in and said that it was necessary. Eddie aided the Moroi by staying with them and I had taken down a few Strigoi.
The meeting thankfully didn't last long and we were able to head to bed. I was starving again but didn't think I could stomach any more food after what happened. I hugged my parents good night and started to head back to the dorms. I wasn't far from the main building when I felt Dimitri come into step with me. He didn't say anything but stirred me towards the Guardian building and into one of the lounges.
"What are we doing here?" I asked wearily, rubbing my eyes.
"You need to eat something. I know that you may not feel like it but you need to eat. You'll regret it in the morning if you don't," Dimitri said as he picked out a few sandwiches and a bottle of apple juice. He packed it together before gesturing for us to leave.
I dragged my feet up to my door and let him open the door before shuffling, dumping my late-night meal on my desk. I turned to face him only to bump my face off his chest. He steadied me quickly but left his hands resting on my shoulders, rubbing them softly.
"Are you ok?" he asked. I nodded and rested my forehead against his chest, sighing heavily before wrapping my arms around him.
"I would totally ask you to stay but we still need to keep things on the down-low, plus I don't think I can stay awake much longer," I mumbled into his jacket. How he wore the duster in this heat was beyond me. Dimitri tipped his head down and I felt his lips against my ear before pressing a kiss just behind it and giving me a tight hug.
"You should have stayed in the car," he said quietly and I pulled back, snapping my head up with a glare. The look on his face was calm compared to the daggers I was sending him, and he simply raised an eyebrow.
"I know that you can handle yourself, but you're still a Novice," he whispered, running his finger along the side of my face. I rolled my eyes and rested my head against his chest, too tired to give a shit.
"Alright. I'm going to fall asleep standing up. Good night, Comrade."
"Good night Roza," Dimitri replied, swooping down to give me a kiss on the corner of my mouth. I grimaced slightly because less than two hours ago I had puked, but he didn't really seem to care. He waited until I got situated under the covers before kissing my head and leaving, flicking the light off as he went.
~Emerges from behind the curtain waving a white flag~
I'm sorry it's been two weeks since updating. I've been busing and the lovely lady editing my chapters had exams, which I wanted her to focus on more than my chapter.
I know this one is a bit smaller, but the next chapter will be a bit longer!
I don't know if I will be updating before Christmas, but I hope to :)
Thank you to TheLittleSubmissive for editing, you are a true gem as always for checking my work.
Let me know what you think!:)