Chapter 22
Today was the day of Lissa and Christians early Christmas dinner. Saying I was excited was a lie, other than having Adrian to shop for which was the easiest thing I did this week. Earlier this week Lissa came over explaining how it would go and how the draw went, luckily, I had Adrian and not Tasha.
Truth me told she would not be getting a present the petty side of me could not do it.
We may not be friends or get along, but I would not think we were enemies. Loving the same man was what made us dislike each other but that was about all.
Packing the present and making sure everything was locked up I hastily ran out the door, running late. With both Guardian in tow, I did not bother to wait.
"Rose wait up," Jackson yelled, "Why are you running, we will make it in time."
Without looking ahead of myself, I turned back to yell out to Jackson when I ran into something, or better yet someone. "Sorry about that I was in a hur… Dimitri?" I stepped back embarrassed, I have not seen him since he barged into my home and threated to break my bedroom door down. Looking to his right I saw both his guardians and Adrian behind him.
"Sorry I should have looked where I was going," I apologized again but came out a mumble.
"Little Dhampir, looking beautiful as always." Adrian spoke making me grin at his compliment before he ruined it. "A little more skin could show but I will let you off this time, I am feeling festive."
Shaking my head, I rolled my eyes at his comment. Dimitri's guardians snickered beside him. "Your lucky I am pregnant Ivashkov or id kick your Moroi ass for that comment." I warned lightly, catching Dimitri's quick smirk did not go unnoticed by me before he started to walk again in the direction I was going.
Walking with Adrian a little behind Dimitri I sparked up a conversation, as the guardians walked together only thing odd was Guardian Brendan now holding a package. I wonder who he got for the secret Santa?
"So, who did you get as a secret Santa?" I asked Adrian, hoping he will give me a clue. The last thing I want is an unexpected gift that could mortify me, Adrian is unpredictable. Especially when no one is there to tell him the boundaries of gift giving. Right now, that I think about it, even Tasha's gift sounds better than Adrian's imagination and credit card limit.
"Why Little Dhampir nervous I bought you lingerie," He spoke loud enough for people to hear, making me shrink down embarrassed. Leaving forward he than adds "Maybe a battery powered friend for those lonely nights." Making me blush nervously. He really went there
"Shut up you fool," I hissed. "the last thing I need is another rumor let alone one about undergarment and the queens great nephew."
"Favorite great nephew, thank you," Adrian jokes giving me a view of his pearly white teeth.
"and technically you've… "He goes to speak pointing in Dimitri's direction.
"Shhh!" I shushed cutting him off before he spills information. No one needs to know that piece of information, also Dimitri himself probably does not know and should not find out this way that he is related to his roommate. Lord knows how much this man can take. Dealing with a miracle child, turning back from a Strigoi which is supposed be impossible. He did not need another bomb dropped down on him while he is still dealing with his other problems.
Chuckling, Adrian was looking at me with amusement clearly enjoy tormenting me. "The answer is no Little Dhampir, I did not get you for the secret Santa. Though now I wish I did the though of you dressed up sounds sinful and pleasing." He looked me up and down and sighed disappointment. Ever since I have known him has made it no secret what his thoughts are about me. "Maybe a cute little Santa dress with thigh high stocking delivering me presents, that sounds like a gift from heaven" Making me groan in annoyance.
Pushing him sideways away from me I walked ahead slightly amused. "You're such a pervert Adrian, of course you would picture that. But dream all you want because that is not ever happening."
"Only for you Little Dhampir, only you could bring that out of me." He answered behind me. Making me laugh out loud at his foolishness, today seemed to start out quite alright.
"Well, you bring things out of me to." I replied sweetly.
'Yeah, and what's that." Adrian asked brightly.
"Annoyance and the need to hit you with my fist." I answered with a grin.
Adrian chuckled. "Yeah, that sounds like the Rose I know."
Grinning to myself as I kept walking all I could think was that maybe today was going to be a great day.
Even Dimitri looked to be in an aright mood considering his usual distant self I pray he will finally be at peace even if he and I cannot be together.
Standing awkwardly at Lissa's door with Dimitri, Adrian and our guardian's patiently we waited for someone to answer the door.
Lissa opened the door surprised at all who ended up on the porch together, giving Dimitri a look before looking at me she mind linked me. Sorry Rose, I didn't expect to make it this awkward." Chuckling to my self, Lissa gave us her usual smile and let us in.
"Come on in guys dinners almost ready." Lissa opened the doors to her apartment. Walking in I gave her a quick hug before making myself home on her couch after placing the present under the tree. "Christian is in the kitchen with his aunt Tasha and her date. Make yourself at home and if you need anything just ask me." Nodding everyone got settled in and waited for the last few guests to show.
Dimitri excused himself and headed for the kitchen to see his old friend and her mystery date.
So, Tasha did end up bringing a date, I guess she really is that desperate to get Dimitri's attention. There was absolutely no way she could move on that quickly.
Sighing at my petty thoughts I push them to the back of my mind before I socialize with Lissa and Christian's guests.
"Hey Rose, I am glad you could make it," Eddie's voice spoke from the couch. "I was slightly worried you would still be locked in your house and miss out on the festivities."
Reminding me I have not seen him since before I had locked myself in my room for a week. Also, the last time I had gotten one of those creepy letters since then. Lately things have seemed quiet, a little to quiet for my liking.
"Not one of my best choices," I lamely spoke, giving him a hug.
"How have you been Guardian Castile, Guardian to Lissa Dragomir." I teased.
"Things have been alright; I just wish you could be fighting along side of me. It feels weird not having you around." Eddie replied.
"Before you know it ill be back to work and kicking some ass in no time. Once this baby arrives ill be able to graduate and hopefully be Lissa's guardian." I replied. "Or someone decent to guard." Shrugging with uncertainty.
"How could they not choose you to be her guardian, you have single handily taken out strigoi on multiple occasions and you haven't even graduated yet."
"Yes, that is true, but I have also been reckless and have a tendency to disappear form the academy multiple times. Who would want to let a reckless irresponsible dhampir guard the last Dragomir." I explained thoughtfully. "Even with the bond I am impulsive and that will be my downfall."
"I can't blame them if they want to stick me on desk duty or guard a non royal moroi."
"You had reasons for leaving the academy, surely they will look past that and see that you should be guardian her." Eddie
"Eddie's right Rose, just because you have done some stupid things doesn't mean the bad outweighs the good you have done. You have done so much good to make up for it." Adrian cuts in. Turning to him I see him sporting a glass of what seems to be alcohol.
"Well, I hope so, if I can't guard her, I hope someone great can protect her when I am not there." I sighed. The thought of someone inexperienced guarding her made my stomach turn, with both Dimitri and I not guarding her made me nervous. Eddie may be skilled and a great guardian for Lissa, but one person can only do so much. Lissa needs the best and having only one skilled guardian was not enough.
As Christian was finishing the minor arrangements for the dinner Dimitri, Tasha and her date came out of the kitchen with a drink in each hand chatting.
Getting up from my spot I quickly went to the bathroom to relieve my pressed-on bladder. Thanks to my son I have been using the bathroom three times more than id usually go which was a lot.
Washing my hands, I left the bathroom to everyone in the living room talking to each other.
"Hello, we didn't have the pleasure to introduce each other yet, my name is Oliver." Tasha's date introduced himself. My skin felt like it was crawling, there was something about him that made me feel unsettled. Shaking it off I shook his hand in return, he may give me chills but being rude for no reason was unnecessary even if he was Tasha's date.
"Rose, nice to meet you Oliver." I replied a bit reserved, as his intense eyes looked at me eyes that looked haunted with no emotion. Those eyes remind me of Abe's when he talks business, his eyes reminded me of the guardian mask we are trained to hold while in the face of enemies, one emotion could put them at an advantage to be used against us.
"Dinner is ready, everyone please take a seat." Christians cheerful voice broke me from stare off with Tasha's date. Following everyone to the dinner take I ended sitting between Eddie and Adrian with Dimitri across from me who sat in between Lissa and Tasha.
"Please enjoy and help yourself to seconds." Christian offered, before sitting his seat at the head of the table with Lissa by his side.
Giving me a sly smirk Tasha turned to Dimitri sparking a conversation about his plans for the holidays.
How mature you, even kindergartens are more mature than you.
"Well with not much options while under court parole I will be staying behind this year." Dimitri answered briskly. The look on his face showed he did not want to talk about it.
"Well, I am sure if I talked to Queen Tatiana, I am sure we can get you cleared to come with us to Ozera lodge in Switzerland." Tasha offered sweetly up at him paying no attention to her date who ate silently.
"Thank you for the offer Tasha, but I plan to stick around this year." Dimitri declines making Tasha pout.
"Well, if you change your mind id be happy for you to join us." Placing her hand on his shoulder.
Nodding he went back to eating.
"Rose arnt you going to eat your dinner," Adrian asked pointing to my untouched food. "You need to keep you and the baby healthy; we don't need a repeat of last time."
Looking to him I gave him a look that could kill him. We do not need to let Tasha know about my personal life "Relax I will, the baby is playing soccer as we speak once he settles, I will start eating, relax." Rubbing my rib, slightly lying. Focused on them two talking I forgotten the food sitting in front of me. The thought of her flirting with him or them sharing a Christmas in Switzerland made me almost lose my appetite all together.
"He's kicking, does it hurt or feel to much?" Adrian asked concerned. "Do you want to go to the doctors?"
"No not always, depends where he kicks, A doctor is not necessary this is completely normal." I explained. "Here give me your hand."
Holding his hand out I directed it to where Greyson's kicking. The child was kicking his hand letting his presents be known.
Adrian's face lit up with he kicked his hand." Wow, that is a powerful kick." Making me giggle.
"He is definitely your child alright."
"That he does, sometimes it takes the breath out of me." I replied. "Hopefully, he doesn't take after me to much, I don't think we can handle it."
Making him chuckle.
"Wow you guys look like a cute family," Oliver spoke making me look up to him. "What a lucky child to have two great parents."
"Oh no he's not…"
"Why thank you." Adrian beamed making me turn to him to give him a scolding look. "Rose gets a little shy about our little surprise, personally I think my family is what scares her you know. Being a royal my family is quite"
What the hell is he doing, why would he say that in front of Dimitri. When I get my hands on him I am going to kill him, he better have a good reason for this.
"Can I have a feel too?" Eddie asked awkwardly from beside me.
"Of course, you may." I smiled taking his hand and placing it on my protruding stomach.
"Wow, he is going to be a kick ass Guardian one day." Eddie beamed. "Man, I wish Mason was here to see this." Making me sign heavily. Last year around this time we lost him to Isiah and Elena, two Strigoi's who held us captive in Spokane. Just as I got everyone to safety, he cane back for me and ended up getting his neck snapped. Right around the time when Dimitri declined Tasha's offer to become her guardian and have a family, something both of us was knew we could not have. This is until the impossible happened.
"Me to." I replied sadly, before diving into my food. Groaning in delight at the fresh magnificent food I turned to Christian who was taking a bite of his turkey. "Damn pyro I have to admit this is the best food I had ever tasted." Taking another bite of my food.
The table erupted in laughter. "Well with the way you're eating I am surprised you can taste it." Christian replied nonchalantly.
"What can I say I love food, and the baby does two." I grinned leaning back in my chair. "I may need to come over a few times a week for more." I joked.
"Or you could learn to cook." Christian replied, taking a sip of his beverage.
Making Lissa and I both laugh while everyone looks at us oddly.
"You definitely do not want her in the kitchen." Lissa replied humorously. "She has a tendency to burn water, after her and I left the academy a few years ago she attempted to cook us a dinner for the holidays and almost burnt the kitchen down instead."
"How do you burn water." Christian questioned, giving us a confused look.
"Exactly, but she still managed to do that." Lissa giggles. "Thank heaven's for fire extinguishers or our place would have been burned to the ground."
Everyone chuckled.
It was true, after everyone went home for the holidays, I tried to make us a dinner for us and ended up burning water. With both of us on the run I had hoped to make the best of our situation and cook a home-made meal but only ended in a disaster. So, Lissa opt for take out while I cleaned the mess I made. That was the first and last time I would cook.
"I tried doesn't the thought count." I pouted at her.
"Of course, it does but save the cooking for someone who won't burn the house down." She grinned, before finishing her plate.
Once dinner and dessert was finished and the table was cleared up everyone went to the living room with glasses of alcohol in hand to get ready for gift giving.
Moving back to the living room Guardian Brendan stopped me before I made it to the couch.
"Hey, Rose this is for you," Guardian Brendan s, handing me over a fairly large package. Confused was how I felt, I had no idea I was going to receive a package.
"For me? What is it." I asked, looking up at him." You do know we are about to open presents and were not supposed to know who got us the gifts right?"
"The gift is not from me, it was on your front step, you where a little distracted and in a hurry to get here you didn't see it sitting there so I brought it with us." He replied with a shrug like it was no big deal.
"Thank you, that's very thoughtful." I replied before moving back to Lissa's now empty kitchen looking for something to open it with.
Looking down at the label to see where it was from, the words and address was written in Russian.
Pulling the letter from the package I ripped it open to see.
Roza,
A Christmas present I had his babushka hand made for him, as a request from his prababushka.
How a wonderful gift for her when she realises my need for it to be finished in such a small amount of time, as he has only mere days before arriving.
A wonderful thing for both grandson and babushka.
Child if I were younger, I would be there on the next plane ride there to reminding him of the mistakes we make that cost us the only things that truly make us happy. Do not lose hope my child, your words work more than you think.
I hope you and the young one have a merry Christmas.
Yeva
"Need a hand with that." Dimitri's voice spoke startling me, placing the letter in my back pocket before he could see it. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."
There standing in the kitchen doorway Dimitri stood looking slightly awkward, considering he was almost as tall as the door itself.
"Yeah, if you don't mind that would be helpful, I need help opening the package." Pointing to the box behind me. For the first time since he has been back, where he seemed more like himself. Truthfully, I did not expect him to show up in the first place. Even after he showed up at my home and threatened to break my bedroom door down if I did not come out and eat, he has still managed to keep his distance from me until now. Which I could not blame him for keeping his distance, it was nice to see him here and even making an attempt to talk to me right now.
Walking into the kitchen Dimitri grabbed a knife from the knife holder and moves beside me to examine the box before he starts cutting the package open. Tearing the top of the box open laid a beautiful hand made blanket sat neatly folded inside.
Wow that is a beautiful blanket.
Picking up the blanket to get a better look I examined the beautiful gift.
The blanket was a checkered red and black with an underline of a soft fabric. The detail and quality was extraordinary. The way it was made you could see the time and delicacy it took to creating such a beautiful piece. A piece Greyson and I will cherish from his babushka for ever.
"Wow, this is truly beautiful," Dimitri muttered looking at the beautiful blanket in my hands. "reminds me of the blankets my mama makes at home every winter for us. Back in Russia she was known for her beautiful hand made blankets you don't see to many blankets with this quality these days."
Smiling at him I did not know what to say, watching him look at the blanket he looked to be lost in thought probably remembering memories of his family back home. Snapping out of his trance we went towards the box, looking down at the label he tensed.
There was no point in hiding it, "Your grandmother sent it to me, she said she had your mother make it just in time for his birth." I explained nervously, any other time I was around him he was either running from me or angry. Saying to much will probably make him run for the hills again. "She said your mother didn't know who it was for, she said it was a gift for the both of them."
Dimitri did not say anything, looking down at blanket again he was still silent. Moving the blanket, I quickly folded it and went to place it in the box, but Dimitri's hand stop me from placing it in.
Looking up at him confused at his action, his face was morphed into shock and confusion still looking at the blanket his face looked pale. Confused I looked down, suddenly I understood. Not realising my left hand was on top of the blanket as the other was under, his family ring was on my middle finger.
"Your grandmother sent me the ring awhile back before you changed back," I chuckled nervously, now wanting to be the one to run away now. "She gave the baby a necklace and me the ring, I was planning to send the ring back I've just been busy lately." Feeling all sweaty, looking around the kitchen I looked for a way to escape this kitchen.
"No, its alright Roza," His horse voice finally spoke quietly, his soft voice gave me chills. "The ring looks beautiful on you, keep it."
As much as I wanted to it did not feel right, it belonged to his future wife. The ring did not belong to me as much as I wanted it to, it felt wrong to keep a family heirloom.
"No, its alright Comrade," Taking it off my finger, hand handed it over to him. "Your grandmother told me history of the ring; it belongs to your future wife." Handing him the ring and took a step back, hopefully the small distance will settle my beating heart. Hopefully keep me from doing something irrational and make this end smoothly, after everything I have hope we can still manage to keep things civil and still be friends, even when my heart and soul yearns for him.
"You and my babushka seem to have been getting along," He muttered. "When did you two get so close, and what was this necklace you spoke of."
Unclasping the chain from my neck I handed it over. "She sent it for the baby, I am hanging on to it until he is old enough, she said it was you." he unwarily smiled a bit before handing it back. With the ring still in his hand, he turned around to a sound. "When I left the academy the second time, she started to send me letter's once in awhile. Truthfully, I have began to look forward to them even if she is a little creepy."
Dimitri smiled at me. "I am glad you have someone to talk to. How are they doing."
"They are alright, they miss a lot. When I was there Sonja was pregnant with a little girl, so I assume she has already had her." I mentioned. "You should take a visit to see them, they would love to know you are aright and alive. Your nephew Paul is getting so big he reminds me of you smart and sweet."
Dimitri does not say a word.
"Look about what Adrian said at the dinner he didn't mean it I don't know why he said he was the father. You may not care but I just wanted you to know I had no idea why he said it and that its not true." I explain. He may not want to be in our babies life, but he does not deserve to listen to another man, his roommate claim the child as his. I did not know why he said it which ill asks later but I did not feel right letting Dimitri think I was okay with it; I did not want him to think I was replacing him for Adrian.
Dimitri will always be our child's father.
Standing here for what felt like forever we both sat in silence.
Just before he could get a word out, he turns towards the kitchen doorway.
A figure stood at the door caught my eye as well, Tasha. There staring at us with Dimitri still holding the ring in his hand made her angry. Not even knowing the full story she assumed the worst and turned away fuming. Great, just what I need another enemy, it was bad enough we had to deal with out dislike for each other.
Sighing with frustration I packed up my blanket and with one more look I left Dimitri alone in the kitchen with his grandmother's family wedding ring. Looking on the bright side I do not need to worry about mailing it back now.
Retuning to the group I sat on the sofa beside Lissa. Currently my child was playing soccer and was driving me absolutely crazy. Rubbing my stomach, I try and focus on gift opening.
"Okay so before we open presents Christian and I would like to thank you all for coming with all of your busy schedules." Lissa rambled excitedly. "With both not having parents and only few family member's," Gesturing to Tasha and me. "We wanted to start a tradition to the family we do have a make it memorable."
Which made me feel touched. Liss and I may not be blood siblings, but we are indeed family, blood was just blood it did not mean a thing with us. We are both sisters through thick and thin. We have our ups and downs, but we have always managed to come out stronger than ever. Wherever life takes us I will always be by her side
Clearing her throat, she continues. "Aright lets open presents."
Reaching down under the tree both her and Christian hand out the presents to everyone.
Mine was wrapped in a beautiful gold trimmed wrapping paper that screamed expensive.
Looking around to see who might have gotten me did help they were all to busy opening theirs.
Dimitri had gotten a new duster.
Tasha a royal blue scarf.
Christian a new cookbook.
Eddie a new stake with his initials on it.
And so on,
everyone opened their gifts until Adrian, and I were the last ones to open our gifts.
Going first Adrian opened his.
I had gotten Adrian a bottle of his favorite and a new set paint set for his apartment. Last time I visited when Dimitri was out, I visited Adrian's and discovered his apartment full of canvases and empty paint tubes. With no luck on what I should get him it was very obvious observing his home.
"Wow! Who ever gotten these for me thanks, I have been running low on paints," Adrian beamed at his paint set. Sighing with content I knew I successfully gotten him what he wanted. Personally, I would feel bad if I gotten him something revolting.
"Come on Rose open your gift." Eddie spoke breaking me from my content smile watching everyone excitedly interact with one another while.
Everyone turned to me. Great thanks Eddie now everyone is looking at me way to put a spotlight and more pressure on me.
"Yeah, oh right my turn." I chuckled nervously.
Fiddling with the beautiful wrapping paper, I slowly bean to open it.
Tearing the well wrapped gift, my heart stopped at what I had received.
My secret Santa had gotten me a matching shirt and onesie, mine said 'Guardian Mama'
And the onesie said, 'Mama's little Guardian to be."
Underneath the outfits was my rose necklace Victor gave me.
My heart felt like I stopped, frozen in place I zoned out with the necklace.
"Wow, this is amazing." I mumbled, giving Dimitri a look when no one was looking. Until I saw the necklace, I would not have guessed who my secret Santa was. Now it was a dead giveaway.
"Dimitri had no idea what to get you, with my help I thought something simple. Dimitri later came with the necklace asking to remove any old magic left behind and I charmed it with spirit." Lissa spoke through the bond. Nodding to her I examined the necklace. This necklace brought so many memories and emotions with it.
"Wait that necklace looks familiar," Christian speaks leaning towards my gifts. "Where did I see that before?"
"Its from none of your business Ozera," I answered sarcastically. "Its called get your own gift and stay away from mine."
"Yeah, like Id want to wear a rose necklace." Christian glared." You don't need to be a bitch."
"Christian!" Lissa yelled scolding him like a young boy.
"She started it," He pouted towards her crossing his arms.
"She started it." I mimicked, making everyone but Tasha laugh. "Relax I was only playing around no need to get your panties in a bunch Martha Stewart."
"Shut her mouth would you." Christian asked Adrian who was sitting beside me.
"Oh no, I am not getting in the middle of your childish fights." Adrian declines, amused. "Besides, I enjoy her mouth, you never know what words come out of it. Sometimes you get a compliment other time not so much. It's a one big surprise after another."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean." I questioned Adrian. "Are you calling me crazy."
"No Little Dhampir I am stating I enjoy your personality and smart mouth."
"You can't handle my mouth you mother fucker." I retorted, everyone remained silent. "So keeps your shut."
"I love it when you talk dirty to me." Adrian smirked, flickering his eyes to Dimitri.
"I seriously don't know how you deal with that," Christian spoke, pointing to me. "She is the epiphany of reckless and danger and a ball of crazy. You are one brave man."
"Brave is a man who loves a wild woman." Adrian replied with a smirk looking at Dimitri.