HI there! I know I haven't posted in forever! I've been trying to write this from Dimitri's POV - I hope you all like it. Its just a little insight into what Dimitri is thinking. Again, I'm still bringing out with another part of this story, where it goes into another direction that I want to venture down with. I am not giving up on this one by any means! Just keep an eye out for any other postings.

Thank you all! :)

Chapter from Dimitri's POV:

I sat at my desk, going over a few lessons that I had planned throughout the week. Flicking back and forth to the school email that I had, waiting for a message to come through.

"Alberta,

Thanks for your quick response.

Same for the previous year, there doesn't seem to be much drama so for – I have no idea what some of these teacher think. Let alone talk about.

I will keep you in the loop on how things progress with Rose. As we were informed with Headmistress Kirova, we are to be watchful for her. I am unsure what to do with the senior project though. I would like to be an ear for her if needed, just like every other student – they have several forms of communication if that ear is needed.

What are your thoughts? I do know from before she left, that there are several students off the list for her pen pal. With everyone already paired up, there's no one else for her to interact with. Do you think I should let her sit this out and find another project for her or would it be informal for me to be her pen pal – I would be first contact if there is trouble."

Once finishing re-reading my email to Alberta, I scanned the room again. My eyes falling on the brunette waving her hand in the air. Calmly, I waved my hand for her to come towards my desk. Wanting it to be private in case she needed anything. She got her feet, her hips swaying as she walked towards my desk. Clearing my throat quietly, I nodded, noticing she had a piece of paper in her hands as I figured it was the letter.

"Mr. Belikov, I think this is the best one yet. I think I'll ace this senior project before you know it." Rose had such a bright grin, that showed off all her features. Raising an eyebrow skilfully, with much needed practice.

"Rose, I think I'll be the judge of that." I can feel my lips quirk upwards, wanting to smile. She passed the letter over, while reaching for the paper our hands graced each other. Feeling a jolt of electricity shoot from her fingertips to mine. I quickly brought it down, trying to cover my shock expression with a smile before she moved back towards her seat.

It had taken until the end of class for Alberta to respond to my email.

"Dimitri,

If its in the best interest for Rose, then go ahead and become her pen pal. But run it by Kirova before you make this decision finally. We all are all worried for Rose, I am not sure she will just open up or be remotely interested in this project. I know she had done well with online schooling last year, but with coming to school – old habits die hard. That's not in anyway to discourage her, she has grown up. Surpassing, even some of the teachers here at St. Vladamir's. Crazy really.

Don't believe anything they say, its like a game of telephone. Even through the teachers, they are no better than the students on passing gossip. If you have any questions, you may to come to me or go to the source.

Just remember one thing Dimitri, Rose is still fragile during this time. Even with the time that has passed. She doesn't trust easy but when you do earn it, she will fight until her dying breath for you.

Keep me in the loop with what's happening.

Regards,

Alberta."

Reading over the last few lines, I look up to the empty classroom. One person's desk to be specific. I quickly lock my computer, draping my bag over my head and head towards the Headmistress office.

I sat in the office of the home that I shared with Viktoria. It wasn't a large room, more of a den with a sliding door for some privacy. Viktoria was out with her friends and wasn't going to be home for several hours so I had time to draft what I wanted to have as my reply for Rose. I pulled Roses letter from the under my notebook.

"Dear Pen pal,

I'm not sure who I'll get and how to actually start this, so I'll just go ahead and introduce myself. My name is Rosemarie Hathaway, but everyone calls me Rose. I am 17 years old and a senior in high school.

A little about myself is that I co-own a café with my best friend Lissa. Mason was also a co-owner of the café as well before he died last year. He was such an amazing partner in crime. Now our friend Eddie will be taking some part in the business. It's an extreme help since it'll be busier now that school is in session. More towards the afternoon than during the day.

Before you ask about Mason and me for last year, I'm not big in talking about it. It happened and I'm getting through it slowly. I left last year to take some time away and heal. I done online school to keep up with graduating with my classmates. That's why I'm back at St. Vlad's.

I hope you'll enjoy being my pen pal as I'm excited to continue this with you.

What should I call you? I think this should be good with pen names since it is a letter writing thing. I'll decide after reading your letter.

Hope to hear from you soon,

Rose H."

Chuckling. I re -read, wanting more information than what she gave. I knew for well that, just by her response that she wasn't sure what else to write. I was in the same boat.

"Rose,

I think Rosemarie is a beautiful name, but I have a feeling that you'll kick me in the balls if I call you that, so I'll stick with Rose."

I shake my head and crumpled up the paper, I couldn't say that in this pen pal. Especially since im supposed to be that adult in this. I had gotten the approval from Kirova – with very much debate. But it was supposed to be anonymous on my side since we both concluded that she wouldn't be as open if it was a teacher, she had as her pen pal and the fact she probably would kick me in the balls if she knew I was singling her out of all the students in her class.

Starting over again.

"Rose,

It's crazy, this pen pal assignment. To think, the old fashion writing towards each other. But I honestly believe it'll help in the future in case you wanted to go down a certain route. Apart from the café, what do you want to do for the future?"

Crumpling that paper as well, it seemed like there wasn't a right thing to say to start this off.

"Dear Rose H.,

Thank you for your letter. I did enjoy reading it and am really excited to be your pen pal for the senior project. I hope you know that I take education seriously and high priority. Don't worry about that with me.

Regarding what you should call me, I'm not sure. I don't have many nickname. But I can tell you things I enjoy doing and you could pick one out? I think that's fair, enough. Just to get to know each other and being that support if you need it. And Visa-Versa.

A bit about me, well growing up I lived with three sisters, my mother and grandmother. I think it helped shape who I am today even though it could be tiring being the only guy in the house. I don't see them much since they live far away right now, just me and my sister living together at the moment. Being the bigger brother towards her.

In my spare time I like reading old westerns that would probably have you take the mick out of me. (Please don't.) I also enjoy the classics with country music. It's a real toe tapper if you could get into that.

Hope to hear from you soon.

P.S. I don't want to overstep with asking things you don't want to talk about. If youre up to talk about it then, I'll be that ear for you. But it'll be in your own time.

Yours,

Pen pal."

After re-reading it over again, I smiled at sound not only like someone that was wanting to be an ear but giving her some information about myself that not many know. I hope this will give her an incentive to open up to me.

I was reminded of the meeting I had with Alberta, Stan, and Headmistress Kirova before the school year started.

"Is this all who's going to be here for this meeting?" I asked as I sat down in one of the seats in Kirova's office. She had some of the chairs that were normally towards the wall, pushed to the middle for us all to have a seat together.

"Yes, Dimitri. I wanted to have a conversation with you all." She waved her hand around the room. "I trust you, that are here to help with what I need." She paused.

"What is this regarding?" Stan spoke out. I rolled my eyes. As ever, he was very impatience.

"Don't push it Stan or ill have you leave." She cocked her head towards him. Looking back around her, "Now, you remember Rose. Rose Hathaway?" She asked. I shake my head, to show that I didn't know who she was. "Ah, she left before you came to our school Dimitri."

"Poor girl. How is she holding up?" Alberta cut in before I could speak. Raising an eyebrow towards her, in a questioning matter for her to continue. "She had a troubling year. Lost someone close."

"And she dropped out of school before she could graduate? Seems to be irresponsible of her." I heard the harshness in my words but only felt a fraction bad. Education was important. Even if she didn't continue to college, a high school diploma will open doors for her.

"Like I said Dimitri, she had a hard year." She had her head cocked at me as if she were saying, continue and ill slap that look off your face.

Kirova spoke up, "And she didn't just drop out. She came to me after it happened." She looked down, as if she were remembering the moment. "She decided to go for online school while she works at the café that she co -owns with Lissa and Mason." She paused "Well Lissa now." I turned my head, feeling myself confused. "Mason, died, in front of Rose. There was an attack with some locals, Rose tried saving everyone that was there and gotten taken as a hostage in the ordeal."

I could feel myself speaking up before I could stop myself. "Who else was there?"

It was Alberta spoke up, "Christian, Vasilisa, Eddie, Mia and Mason." Woah. She had saved them, I'm fairly sure she was outnumbered, it was stupid but brave.

"Well while she was being taken, Mason came back for Rose. Started fighting with the guy that had Rose and" she seemed to be pained. "He was stabbed to death. It tore Rose up; they never caught the guy."

I paled; how could they not catch the guy when there were witnesses? Poor Rose. I didn't blame her on wanting to leave school. I tried to push forward with the conversation. I looked back up, not realising that I had looked down towards my boots. "So, you said that Rose had taken online courses to keep up?" I asked.

"Ah, yes. This meeting is because she will be coming back this year to finish up her school year and walk with her class once she graduates." There were gasps, me included.

"Do you think its time?" Alberta asked. It sounded as if she cared for her like a second mother to Rose.

"I do, we have corresponded, and I've seen her several times to talk this over. Even though she isn't fully back to herself,"

"I don't blame her." Stan pipped in.

"Well, what do you need for us?" I asked already feeling protective.

"Just keep your eyes out if she needs help then reach out. Dimitri, I know you have the forms of communication that you give out, use that. If she reaches out, be that ear for her." I nodded. That was the reason for me giving out all forms of communication out. "Again, you know the rules for that." I nodded again.

Snapping back to what I was doing, I closed the letter in a envelope to give to Rose on Friday.

…..

I lay awake in bed waiting for Viktoria to come home, she was out with friends around town. I had put trust into her to be back by midnight. Brushing my hands over my chest, I imagined it to be the firecracker in my sixth block English class. I knew I shouldn't be thinking of her in that sense, even just have her touch my chest is beyond what I could ever hope for.

I heard a chirp to the side of me that broke me from my lustful thoughts. Grabbing my phone, I pulled open the message. Half expecting it to be Viktoria telling me she was going to be late… Again.

*Hi Mr. Belikov, its Rose from your 6th block English class. I'm sorry if this wakes you or disturbs you. But I… I don't want to be too forward. You said I could come talk to you when needed. I'm having a bit of a weird night. And thought of reaching out to you. *

You're not the only one that is having a weird night. Just thinking about the young women and now she is messaging me. Trying not to get too giddy, I thought of a response to her that would be professional yet comforting. She wouldn't be messaging me if she really didn't need it. I had this feeling coming from her that she was an independent young women, doing everything she can to get through this life.

*Rose don't apologise for messaging. I am here for you when needed (even at the late hours of the night.) Are you okay? Would you prefer texting, or do you want to call? * I hit send before second guessing my response. Re-reading the message I sent, I declared it to be just a teacher caring for a student.

I felt a buzz, feeling puzzled cause it wasn't from Rose. It had been from Tasha. Taking a quick peak at it before turning my attention back at to Rose herself.

*Dimka, I'm sorry to bother you with this late hour but I know you're waiting up for Viktoria. Do you mind if I came over for a cup of coffee? * I rolled my eyes at the message, knowing it won't be just a cup of coffee. If she were able to come through that door, it would be hard to even get her to leave. I shake my head, wondering what happened to the nice, independent women she had once been. Now all she seemed to be desperate to get me to bed.

I sent her a quick message telling her that I wasn't up for company tonight before she would show up at my front door.

*Mr. Belikov, thanks for responding. I honestly didn't think you would respond tonight, let alone this quickly. I think for tonight, texting would be okay. Unless you're getting ready for bed. It is late. *

*Btw I am okay. No need to worry about that. *

I smiled knowing she was okay. Having the overbearing urge to protect her, keep her safe from harm's way. *I am actually in bed but couldn't sleep. With being Friday, those are late nights as are Saturdays. I'm glad to hear you're okay, is there anything I can do to help? * Wondering if she was in bed as well. She should be getting sleep soon.

Quickly and without thinking, I replied again. *And away from school, you can call me Dimitri. *

I could feel my heart pounding after sending that message, wondering if I stepped too far. Scolding myself, I shouldn't be thinking that way about Roza. A few minutes go by and my phone silent, I worried that I had stepped too far with her tonight. * Rose? * I chanced.

*Yes, Dimitri. If you're comfortable with me calling you by your first name. I normally do with most teachers. I'm sorry you cannot sleep. Is it because it's the first week of school? * I read her response. Was she just being nice to me? It can't be anything else. With twitching fingers, I responded.

*Ah, sadly no. Viktoria is actually out to the movies with some friends. And she has a curfew of midnight. Waiting on her to come home. * Looking at the time, she had an hour left to be here.

Rose: *Oh, how is she doing? Haven't seen her since you guys came to the café. I hope she's being careful. *

I smiled at the thought, when she had guessed the food, I ate. If she made food like that normally, I wouldn't fit into my jeans come Christmas.

Dimitri: *Rose, she is well. Thank you for asking. *

Dimitri: *For the reason you message, how can I help you? *

We had completely gone off track and I was enjoying every bit of it. Smiling like a schoolboy that got the last piece of cake, I waited for her response. I heard a knock on the door to my room. Feeling my hand smack my face, jumping to my feet to open the door. It creaked open shortly after getting to my feet. It was Viktoria. Thank goodness. Just telling me that she had made it home and was going to bed.

Looking back to my phone I saw that rose hadn't responded yet. *I don't want to force you to say anything. And if it's the fact that these messages get monitored, worriers you. I can say that this will be between me and you. * Hitting send. Locking my phone, I paced the room that I was in. Running a hand through my hair – a nerve tick that I had.

Rose: *I wasn't worried until you said something about it. I kind of forgot about that… * Dammit. Why did I have to bring that up and worry her?

Dimitri: *I apologise if I made you worry about the confidentiality of our messages. But in order for Headmistress Kirova to allow this to happen with me giving students my phone number was for them to being monitored. Not all messages are looked at. I can assure that if you don't want me to show them what we speak about, I won't. I want your trust Rose and if it's that route then, I think they'll be okay with that. *

I hoped that didn't push her away already, when she actually reaches out to me. Something told me that she needed someone to speak to.

Rose: *Thank you Dimitri, that does mean a lot. I just hope that you don't get into trouble for not showing what we talk about. *

Oh, thank heavens! Relief washed over me as I saw that message.

Dimitri: *I can promise that there shouldn't be any problems. Long as you aren't endangering yourself or the lives of others. Like I said Rose, I want your trust. This will be the first step of that if you allow me to. *

Rose: *I think I trust you. *

I stared at the screen, unsure if I imagined her sending that message to me.

Rose: *But give me a heads up if you decide to show what we talk about. *

With only moment I responded: *Deal. *

Rose: * Thank you Dimitri, just your responses and knowing I can confide in you helps. I was feeling lonely, and my mind was getting the better of me. I couldn't sleep with that mindset. *

Lonely? I could help with her loneliness.

Dimitri: *The pleasure is all mine, Rose. I truly hope you're okay, do you want to talk about what was on your mind before you reached out to me? Maybe I can help. *

Be that person that stands by her side.

Rose: *There were a few things I had on my mind. Loneliness being one and the other would be my friend Mason. It's been a hard couple of years and I'm still healing from what happened. *

Help her whenever she down.

Dimitri: * I'm sorry you have to deal with that. I don't have all the answers, but I know what it feels like to lose a dear friend of yours. I lost mine a few years ago. Right before I finished my teaching degree. I was lost, still am sometimes but I try to push forward because I believe that's what he would have wanted. I don't dare to say I know exactly what you're feeling but just know that whatever you feel or if you feel like you can't go forward – message, call, anything really. I'll be there when needed. *

Its true, but together we can help each other out. Push each other forward when needed.

Rose: *Dimitri, I didn't know that you have dealt with that. I am sorry as well for you having to go through that. I didn't know what, but I could see a small part of you hurting that you were trying to push back. I wasn't sure what it was. But it was just below the surface.

I am trying to move forward myself; it is hard. I never thought we would go through that hard ache, having to heal not just from our own injuries but the death itself. I try to think that I'm lucky that we were able to make it out, that Mason did put himself in harm's way to save all of us.

Is this part of your zin wisdom that's coming out?

I'll try to come to you if I need help. *

She could see something, what could she see? My fingers hoovering over on what to respond to her. I didn't want the conversation to end. I wanted to call her up and hear her voice say those things to me, but I knew that she wouldn't apricate that. She told me she only wanted to text, and I had to respect her wishes.