So I know it's been a little bit. Thank you on the congratulations! I've been having a lot of trouble writing this chapter. I just can't get it to flow the way I want it to and my irritation with it is huge, but I really can't seem to write it any differently without taking another week at the least to update. I hope it's somewhat good. Please remember to take time to update after you read and let me know what you think of it. I made it a little longer just for you guys . I also removed the sequel to Life of a Rose. I'm thinking of rewriting it. Anyways, ENJOY!

Disclaimer: I own nothing except my own ideas to this story.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Rose's POV December 25th-

Christmas was always a time of wonder for me. When all the demon's mom had were stuffed away in a cage for the holiday. A time when we were a family. I loved this holiday. Everything became so normal for once. So peaceful…happy. Looking out the window at the falling snow swirling in the dark…I feel anything but peaceful.

"Please talk to me."

Maybe it was the way I can't gaze upon my favorite sight of the frozen pond.

"Roza."

Maybe it's because my body aches from all the extra shifts I've taken up at work.

"I'm so sorry. Please, I'm sorry."

Could it be from the massive amount of cleaning I've been doing around the house? The extra babysitting? The sleepless nights?

"I never meant to hurt you…I made a mistake."

Standing in the doorway isn't Dimitri…but Tasha…dressed only in a large button-down shirt…Dimitri's button down. I feel like the breath has been knocked out of me. I can't even say anything.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize anyone was in here." She apologizes awkwardly as she moves to leave.

I feel my heart burn to the ground though as Dimitri in boxers appears in the doorway behind her rubbing his eyes. Leaning down he kisses her neck.

"I thought you had to use the restroom?" He questions her tiredly. I feel nauseous when I realize he doesn't know that I'm here yet.

"I was but I bumped into Rose." Tasha says as she pushes him back looking embarrassed.

Dimitri's eyes snap up to mine.

"Rose…" He says hesitantly.

Or maybe it's because I felt empty and empty people don't get peace. I'm not empty though…empty people don't feel pain, right? I can't possibly be empty…not with the amount of pain that's packed into me. I'm practically bursting at the seams. Pain is a living, breathing, and very noticeable entity taking up my body. I feel every moment of every day of the last two weeks. I just wanted it to go away, but everywhere I turn HE is there. The presence of Dimitri Belikov was constant. He waits outside my bedroom door every morning. He's my teacher at school with a constant excuse to talk to me after class. He walks quietly beside me to work. He sits at a table and reads while I work. He walks me home from work. His newest strategy?

"I just need to know if you're okay."

To sit in the bathroom and try and talk to me through my closet door.

"Did you sleep with her?" I ask already knowing the answer. My tone is blunt. My question clear. He looks pained.

"Yes." He says simply.

My head hurts at the memory and my heart cracks even more. I don't say anything to him. I haven't for two weeks. He doesn't deserve for me to talk to him. Silence fills up my room, at last, and I breathe a sigh of relief. Though I must admit, with the increase of seeing Dimitri, I haven't seen Tasha at all. It's like after that morning she disappeared and it was much to the happiness of, not just me, but the family.

"This movie sucks." Mason complains as he throws popcorn at the tv. "They changed it so much from the books."

I grunt at him as he jolts me with his actions and Eddie laughs.

"I can't believe you've read Twilight." Viktoria teases.

It's our 5th movie night this week and all of us are crowded onto my bed as we watch movies from my new tv hung on the wall to the right, looking from my bed, of my door. Much to our utter amusement we'd come to find out Mason was a large fan of Twilight. A knock sounds at the door and Dimitri's head pops in. Eyes falling on the way my head is propped on Mason's chest, his eyes narrow.

"You know the door stays open when there are boys in the room." He scolds.

"Whatever Dimika." Viktoria laughs rolling her eyes. "It's never been an issue."

He looks to me again but I don't say anything as I turn my eyes back to the screen. I hear soft sigh before the door creaks and Dimitri disappears.

"He seemed mad." Eddie says in a mock scared tone. I snort.

"He's just got a stick up his ass, because him and Tasha hit the rocks again." She sounds bored almost but continues. "They dated throughout high school, but she cheated on him with some other guy. Dimitri was really hurt, but realized they just didn't have the spark. I'm surprised he was stupid enough to try it again. It was doomed from the start."

"What ended it this time?" Eddie inquires as he shoves popcorn in his mouth.

"Yeah they seemed to be doing great." Mason agreed much to my dismay.

"I don't know." Viktoria mumbles.

Footsteps bang up the steps before Paul bursts through my door. His smile takes up his entire face and his excitement is barely contained.

"Aunt Rose Santa came!" He pretty much screams.

Looking at the clock I put on a stern face. Getting up I kneel to his height.

"Paul…" He looks guilty already. "It's not even 6am yet buddy. Are you supposed to be out of bed?"

"No." He says sounding ready to cry at breaking the rules. "It's just Santa came and I'm so excited."

Setting him on my bed I quickly pull a present from under it. Handing it out I watch his face light up with pure joy.

"Between you and I, I'm super excited too." I wink at him. "This is from me."

I sit back and watch with the first fluttering of joy I've had in two weeks. Colorful paper flies and the sound of ripping joins it. A loud squeal escapes Paul as he jumps up and down on my bed, holding a brand-new pair of pajamas, slippers, and a miniature version of Dimitri's duster. My joy is cut short though as the pull flares to life. Without having to look, I know that Dimitri's standing in my doorway. I can feel his eyes burning over me. I don't turn to look.

Dimitri's POV-

"UNCLE DIMIKA!" Paul cries out when he spots me in Rose's doorway.

I smile widely at him, but my heart falls a little when Rose doesn't turn to look. I try not to sigh. I should've expected this considering for the last two weeks she's been pretending I don't exist. I couldn't get her to talk to me…to even look at me. I watch as Paul yanks on his little duster.

"Now I look just like Uncles Dimika." He tells Rose. "I want to be just like him when I grow up. He's amazing, my hero!"

Rose's back stiffens and even though she lets out a sound of encouragement I know it's forced. Guilt floods me at Paul's undeserved praise, but so does amazement. Even while mad Rose does nothing to sway Paul's opinion of me. The sound of people moving around comes up the stairs. Probably mama starting on breakfast.

"Why don't you go show your babushka." I suggest to him.

He doesn't need any more encouragement as he scoops up his presents and flies out of the room. Rose and I are left in tense silence. She's still kneeled on the floor next to her bed and doesn't make a move to turn towards me. I just want to explain. I want her to know that I made a mistake. I know I took it too far, but I also know that I had to do something. Taking a step into the room I close the door behind me. Viktoria would sleep till Mama sent for someone to wake her up. Sonya stayed with her boyfriend last night. I watch as she tenses and stands up to move towards her window, and further away from me.

"Please talk to me." I plead softly. Her arms cross her chest. "Roza…It's Christmas."

I watch as her head bows and her body shakes a little. Concern and guilt entangle in me and I grab mama's quilt and drape it over her shoulders. I should step back…but I can't get my body to move. I hear her sniffle a little. Reaching forward I stroke the side of her neck and try not to yank my hand back when she flinches away from my touch.

"I'm sorry."

Her continuous lack of reaction sparks desperation in me. I want her to talk to me. I don't care if she screams. I don't care if she hits me. I want something. Anything. The pull surges through me and I give myself to it. Reaching out I grip her hips and spin her around.

"Just talk to me!" I whisper to her urgently. "Don't be this way."

Finally, for the first time in two weeks, she reacts. Her head shoots up and I'm frozen in place at the fire in her eyes.

"Stop being this way?" Her voice is dangerous. Her finger stabs into my chest roughly but I don't make a move. "How dare you!"

"Roza…

"You can't do this. You don't get to do this!" She rages. "You come into my life…you make me…You…."

"Roza." I whisper gently. Her eyes water but the fire still shines brightly.

"You made me feel after I spent so long numb." Her voice crackles. "You were sun on a cloudy day. Warmth in the coldest winter. I could finally hear music…and even though I knew that it couldn't end well…even though I fought against it…I let you in."

"I'm sorry." I tell her as I lean my forehead against hers.

"I let you in and you broke me." She hisses as she yanks away from me.

I feel unbalanced at the sudden loss of her presence. She's looking out the window again.

"Get out." She demands.

"No." I tell her. "If I leave you'll go back to ignoring me."

"You deserve it." She spits over her shoulder.

"I know." I tell her. "I deserve everything you give me. I just want you to know that I had a reason. I need you to understand."

"I understand." She says bluntly. "I just don't care."

"I didn't mean to hurt you."

"I don't care."

"I'm sorry."

"Get out."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Rose's POV-

"Rose you are so amazing!" Viktoria squeals as she opens her present from me. The simple, yet intricate, gold locket hangs from her fingers.

"She is quiet something." Karolina agrees.

Meeting her eyes, I watch as they glisten with appreciation and she nods to me. I nod back but say nothing. I watch in silence as the family members opened presents one by one. For Viktoria I bought the beautiful glass chess set she'd been asking for, Olena a hand crocheted hat and scarf, Sonya the extremely detailed planner I saw her eyeing in the bookstore window and a gift card to the coffee shop, Karolina a back massager for when she breastfeeds Zoya, Yeva some new tarot cards, and Dimitri the full John Wayne movie collection. I watch as his eyes warm at the gift.

Sitting back, I smile softly at as they finished with each other's gifts. Christmas here had to be my best one. After the household had been woken up by an excited Paul we gorged on the box of special donuts Olena got from downtown and took to ripping into presents. The Christmas Story plays in the background and the living room looks like Santa dropped off his whole bag under the tree. The smell of eggnog and cookies floated around and everyone was so happy I couldn't help but relax…. well I jump slightly when a Yeva's hand lands on my shoulder.

"Not done." She says simply.

Confused at her words I open my mouth to ask her what she means when suddenly people start setting presents in front of me. My heart thuds in my chest and I shake my head silently shocked. Everyone smiles and Olena laughs.

"You didn't think we'd not get you anything?" She chuckles. "You're family."

Her words make my throat clog up. Reaching out I grab a heavy box and find candles of all scents and sizes. Viktoria smiles proudly and I open the rest. Yarn from Yeva, a new satchel from Olena, a make-up set from Sonya, and a thermos that read I love you in Paul's writing with a patch work quilt from Karolina. Smiling from ear to ear I can't help a tear that seeps out of my eye.

"I love it all." I tell them quietly.

Everyone laughs before growing silent. Looking around I find Dimitri handing me a box. Knowing that everyone is watching I grab it and slowly tear open the paper. Inside the box is a simple black photo album. Looking up and around I see everyone looking upon with cautious faces. They must know what it is. Opening the album, I feel my heart stutter and tears rush to my eyes. There on the front page is a picture of my mom. She looks so young and she's dressed in a hospital gown. She's not looking at the camera, but down on a tiny little bundle wrapped in a simple white blanket. My breath catches in my throat at her expression…the pure love she's bestowing upon the tiny baby. Looking to the left I find a slot with a laminated letter. Grabbing it I open it up and start to read.

March 20th

Dear Olena,

Today marks the day that has changed my life forever. She's here. My baby is here. Olena I wish you were here to see her. After all this time…after all the pain and fear. It was worth it. I never knew how you can love someone so much and yet you just met them. She's accomplished it though. She came screaming into this world, weighing in at 6lbs exactly and 18 ½ inches long. She has…she has his hair and skin. Olena she's so beautiful. I can't imagine anything more perfect than her. I was so scared and I still am but I want her. I want to be her mother. I'll do anything for her.

I don't know if it's the medicine they've given me or the fact that I just went through 36 hours of labor, but she's something special. Barely six hours old and she looks around in wonder. So curious and when I talk to her she looks at me with such attentiveness. Like she understands every word I say to her. It's shocking and disorientating but I know she's an old soul that's going to change the world.

If you see…if you see him, let that bastard know that she's here. She's here and he passed up the best thing in the world. My little Rosemarie. I think I'll call her Rose…or Rosie. Tell him I'm going to be in Chicago for the next month and that it's his last chance. I may love him but I love her more. She's worth the heartache. She's worth everything. I love her so much. I've asked a nurse to take a picture of us and I've included it in this letter. I'll write again soon.

With all my love,

Janine Hathaway

I can barely read the last of the letter past the haze of tears. Shakily folding up the letter, I slide it back in its slot and run my fingers over the picture. I can't remove my eyes from it. She loved me? There was a time when I was worth her love? Gentle hands stroke away my tears and I look up to meet Olena's careful gaze.

"Oh Rose." She coos to me.

"I don't understand." I tell her. "Is this book filled with letters and pictures from her?"

"Yes." She explains softly. "She used to write to me quite a bit."

"I don't understand." I hiccup.

"I know." She brushes my hair behind my ear. "She loved you. It's written in every letter. You can see it in every picture. Dimitri thought you needed it."

Gaze snapping to him I feel my heart hurt and flutter at the same time. The confusion at the mixture makes me feel dizzy and I find it unfair.

"Thank you." I say simply.

I avoid Dimitri's gaze after that. Nodding in thanks I gather my things to take up to my room and everyone disperses except Yeva and Dimitri. Gazing at me knowingly she nods before turning to her grandson and smacking him firmly with him with her cane.

"Stupid boy."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

December 27th-

"I met a boy." Viktoria says abruptly as we're working on our math packet.

"What?" I ask.

"I met a boy and I want you to meet him." She says as her brow furrows. "I've been seeing him for a little bit and want him to meet at least someone in my family."

"Why not bring him home?" I ask as I pull a twizzler from our stash of snacks. She yanks it out of my hand and takes a bite. "Bitch."

"You love me." She smiles before growing serious again. "Well he's…you have to promise not to tell anyone."

"Oh no." I groan.

"What?" Viktoria asks sounding cautious.

"I bet ten bucks he's either older or really bad for you…or both." I explain.

I watch as she blushes a deep red and avoids my gaze. Sighing I raise an eyebrow at her.

"I won't tell." I give in.

"THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!" She squeals at me. "I think you'll like him. He's super hot and such a charmer. A true gentleman."

"What's the catch?" I ask sounding amused.

"He's…a little bit…older." She says slowly. "Like…ten years older..."

"VIKTORIA!" I gasp before smiling deviously. "You naughty girl."

"Oh, shut up!" She laughs at me.

"Are you going to tell me his name?" I ask as I shove a donut in my mouth.

"His name is Roland."

I start to choke on my mouthful. Looking wide eyed at Viktoria I feel panic rise in me.

"I'm not sure seeing someone ten years older is such a great idea." I tell her casually.

"I promise you that I know what I'm doing."

"But…"

"You're such a worry wart." She laughs as she gets up and leaves.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

December 30th-

Crying. Or is it screaming? Maybe both. Setting down my pen and putting up my winter break notes, I shove a robe over my pajamas and open my door. The sound of Zoya screaming her lungs away and Karolina's growingly desperate soothing noises make their way up the stairs. Leaning against the doorway I think about how tired I am. 1am in the morning and I can feel the need for sleep banging on my doorway, but I know that Karolina must be exhausted. Alive for only 3 weeks and I could already tell the Opera would happily take in the colic riddled baby. The only time she stopped screaming was when she was eating and even then you can hear the pained grunts coming from her tiny body. Looking at the calendar hanging from the desk, I can see I don't have any work tomorrow and quickly pull my hair into a bun before making my way down the stairs.

"Hush Zoya." Karolina's teary sounding voice leads me to the kitchen…along with the pain filled screams. She looks up when she hears my footsteps. "Rose…I'm sorry did she wake you? I was just trying to get her to calm down, but she…she's just in so much pain."

The guilt all over her face is heart wrenching and I smile softly as I shake my head no. Walking forward I kneel down in front of her. She looks exhausted. Her hair looks like it hasn't been brushed in days. Dark bags under her eyes make her look as if she was the undead. No judgement…she smelled a little too. Reaching out I stroke the screaming babies head.

"May I take her?" I ask. Karolina looks a little hesitant but a earbud shattering scream has her transferring the bundle into my arms.

Standing I make gentle shushing noises.

"Paul was such an easy baby. I don't know what I'm doing wrong." Karolina pulls at her hair. "I've fed her. I've changed her. I even gave her some gas drops."

"It's not your fault." I assure her. "You know some babies are colic and there's nothing you can really do about it."

"I know but I have to work and I don't want to keep asking mama to watch her." She explains. "I'm her mother."

Rocking the baby I try not to flinch at the next shrill that leaves Zoya's mouth.

"If you give me the bouncer and your Moby wrap I'd be happy to take her for a while." I offer. Karolina looks torn.

"Do you know how to take care of babies?" She asks.

"I know your rules and that you have pumped bottles in the fridge. I can handle her." I let her know.

"Are you sure? I don't want you to lose any sleep." She says offering me a way out.

"Karolina…Take a shower, watch some tv, and get some sleep." I tell her firmly. "I'll be down to get Paul in the morning so you can go to work. I promise I'll take good care of them."

She looks close to tears and I feel slightly uncomfortable. I'm terrible with crying people. Before I can say anything, she hugs me and pulls away.

"You've done so much already." She says. "You must be an angel."

"Just someone who's seen what not having any help can do to people." I tell her smiling sadly.

It doesn't take long for her to put the baby bouncer, blanket, Moby Wrap, diaper bag filled with clothing, soaps, diapers, and crisp $20 (mental note to sneak back) in my bedroom before she disappears. Zoya's screams haven't lessened as I enter the bathroom and start the tub to fill with warm water. Bathing her I coo at her cries as the settle a little at the warm water. Her lips pucker at me as she lets another pitiful cry out.

"I know." I tell her softly as I pull her out after a couple of minutes.

Setting her in a diaper I dry the rest of her off before lathering her in Aveeno baby sleepy time lotion, and dress her in a fleece footie pajama. Her cries have escalated again and I vaguely hear the bathroom door open. Sitting down on the bed I lay her across my lap, stomach down, and gently roll her back and forth on my lap. Her head lays on my lap and slowly, but surely, her screams die into silence.

"I was going to ask if you wanted help, but you look like you have it under control." Dimitri says from my closet doorway.

"I once saw a mom doing this at a clinic we went to. It helps the gas." I tell him without looking up from the droopy eyed baby.

"Where's Karolina?" He asks.

"I gave her a break." I reply shortly.

Dimitri's POV-

Silence falls between us and a loud belch sounds out. Blinking in surprise I look down and try to hold back a laugh when I see an amazing amount of vomit all over Rose's legs. Sighing she moves Zoya away from the filth and wipes her mouth before boxing her in on the bed. Looking around the closet I pull down some sweats and hand them to Rose before turning around. I don't want to leave and she's yet to tell me to. The silence is deafening and I know she still has no desire to talk to me. Hearing her talking to the baby I turn back around to find her shoving a solid looking pillow in the bouncer. Confusion flits through me.

"What are you doing?" I ask.

She doesn't answer me as she lays Zoya belly down onto the pillow and shoves a folded-up blanket below it to keep it level.

"Babies aren't supposed to lay on their stomachs." I tell her frowning.

I don't receive an answer again as she takes Karolina's long wrap and lies it open on Zoya's back before tying it under the bouncer. She pulls the opened wrap to cover my niece's small body and turns on the bouncer's vibration. Amazed I watch as Zoya lets out a couple of good burps before closing her eyes and proceeding to peacefully fall asleep.

"I know what I'm doing." She shoots at me after she lays a baby blanket over her. "The vibrations and bouncing will her help her stomach and I'm not going to sleep, so I'll be watching her. You can get out of my room now."

"Rose…"

"I'm not kidding Dimitri." She snaps quietly at me.

"You never are." I tell her.

Heading back to bed I can't seem to get my mind to settle down. She was still angry with me. Even after opening my Christmas gift she still seemed to hold onto her anger. She was right too, but it didn't make the tightness in my chest ease. I made a mistake and she was making sure I had my punishment. Three solid weeks of silence have left me feeling strangely empty. It left me trying everything in my power to fill the void. I broke up with Tasha, telling her that I couldn't seem to recover my old feelings. She was sad but accepted it with grace.

"I'm sorry Tasha." I tell her as I squeeze her hand.

"Can't say I wasn't expecting it." She says sadly. "Goodbye Dimitri."

After that I graded my papers, read books, and watched Rose with an intensity that made me feel like a stalker. Sighing I try and let sleep take over me, but fail. How could I sleep when guilt sits in my gut every second of every day? I shouldn't even feel guilty. I'm an adult. I'm allowed to have relations with women my age.

"Did you sleep with her?" She asks looking like she already knows the answer. Her tone is blunt. Her question clear. Pain at what I know will happen twists inside of me.

Groaning I hit my pillow. Rose's look of pure devastation takes up my thoughts. Whether I knew I could or not…I knew me sleeping with Tasha would destroy her. I was prepared for Rose to run from me. Ready for the silver cord between us to snap. Wanting to be free from my…obsession with Rose Hathaway. I wasn't ready for the overwhelming silence. Wasn't ready for the cord to still be there. Wasn't ready for the pain I felt in consequence to my actions. I miscalculated the depth of my feelings for her and my plan had backfired.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

January 3rd (The day before school starts again)

Rose's POV-

It's 10am in the morning and I can confidently say that I feel exhausted. Zoya slept effortlessly and only woke during the night to eat, be changed, and burped before being laid back into her strapped in position. The result was the second quiet night this house has had in almost a month an extremely tired me. After my success a couple of nights ago Karolina was more than willing to take me up on my offer to watch the baby again. Even though I was dead tired I must say I had gotten some pretty cute pictures to pass along to Karolina.

"Oh Rose, you look so tired honey." Olena's voice breaks me from my far away land. Head jerking to look over to her, I shake my head.

"I'm alright." I tell her. "I'm just watching Paul eat his oatmeal."

Looking to the toddler eating away in his highchair, I let out a groan at the sight of him covered in it.

"Did any of that get in your mouth?" I ask him.

"I wanted to see what it felt like on my face." He states matter-of-fact as he scrapes some off his face and into his mouth. I grimace at him.

"You were gazing into space with half closed eyes." She says frowning in concern. "I didn't hear Zoya at all last night. Did you not take the moment to get some shut eye?"

"I was watching her and since she was on her belly I didn't want to fall asleep." I shrug.

She tsks at me before pouring a cup of coffee and setting it in front of me with a plate of toast. Flinching at the burning hotness of the coffee I sigh in satisfaction of the caffeine flowing through my veins. Standing up I start wiping off Paul.

"I'll admit you do have a way with kids." She says approvingly as she gazes at a sleeping Zoya in her bouncer and a now clean Paul. "Do you want any in the future? Not now but when you graduate college and have a stable job and home?"

"Such a motherly lecture." I chuckle. Dimitri walks past me and I try not to stiffen. "No. I don't want any kids."

She accepts my answer and smiles. Relief flows through me. Most people_.

"Why not?" Dimitri inquires. "If how you are with Zoya and Paul say anything, you would be a great mother."

"I just don't want kids." I tell him flatly. Most people reacted like him.

He doesn't say anything more as he grabs a plate of eggs left for him and sits down. I wipe down Paul's tray before laying some paper and crayons on it for him to color with as I brush his hair and bounce the Zoya gently when she stirs.

"If you want I can watch the babies while you take a nap." He offers politely.

"I'll nap when they nap."

Sitting down I quickly start taking notes on the next chapter of Frankenstein for Literature class and tune him out. If he thinks things are going back to normal after this then he is out of his freaking mind. I don't look up when Paul starts talking.

"I like coloring." Paul says kicking his feet happily. "Look Uncle Dimika, I drew a picture of you."

"That's great buddy…Who's the person next to me?" He asks sounding confused.

"That's Aunt Rose." He says simply.

"Oh." He says simply. "That's a pretty blue dress she's wearing."

"That's not a dress silly." He laughs as he keeps coloring. His tone is amused. Like Dimitri said the funniest thing on the planet. "That's her hospital gown. Like the one mommy wore after Zoya."

I finally look up confused. The room is starting to feel tense. Olena has left and Dimitri and now Yeva are the only ones in it. Looking down at the picture I indeed see what looks to be a tall stick figure with brown scribbled around him and a smaller figure with a blue gown holding a scribble. Behind them sits a surprisingly pretty house for something that's been drawn by a four-year-old.

"Why am I wearing a hospital gown?" I ask frowning slightly. Paul doesn't look up.

"Cause you and Uncle Dimika had a baby."

The room feels cold and something tingles up my spine. Silence envelopes everyone until Yeva walks up and whispers something in Paul's ear. He frowns before smiling in response. My gaze swings to Dimitri and I freeze when I see something sing in them before disappearing. My heart thunders in my chest. The pull tugs strongly and I get up abruptly when someone knocks on the door.

"I'll get it." I rush out before scurrying away.

I try to ignore Dimitri's voice explaining how what Paul said was inappropriate.

"It's not! I saw it!"

I open the door after his explanation and smile when I find Mason on the porch. He holds up a bag from the bakery and a cup holder full of hot chocolate.

"I thought we could hang out for a little bit." He says sounding hopeful. I smile apologetically.

"Mase…I wish I could but I'm babysitting for Karolina today." I tell him as I step aside to let him out of the cold.

"I should've called first." He laughs as he hands me the bag and a cup. "While I'm here though I was…I was just wondering if you maybe wanted to go bowling later."

"Sure, I'll let Viktoria know." I tell him smiling.

"I, uh, I meant as a date." He says looking a little awkward, but still trying to keep the mood light.

Shock fills me and I keep my face smooth. It didn't occur to me that Mason was developing feelings for me. Taking a sip of my hot chocolate, I smile sadly.

"I'm sorry Mason, but I just don't…I don't really see you that way." I tell him looking down at my feet. "I'm really sorry."

Mason looks away and smiles before giving a chuckle. I feel nervous.

"It's okay Rose." He tells me. "I thought I'd give it a try. Still friends?"

"Of course!" I smile brightly.

Leaning forward I plant a kiss on his cheek and watch as he leaves the house.

"Why didn't you say yes?"

Jumping a foot in the air I swing around at Dimitri's voice. He looks angry and confused at the same time and my heart is back to thundering. Paul can be heard talking to Yeva in the kitchen in Russian. Frowning at Dimitri, I close the door.

"It's rude to eavesdrop." I tell him.

"He'd be your perfect opportunity to get back at me." He continues as if I didn't say anything. "Why wouldn't you take it?"

I stop and take a second to look at him. My chest hurts and I have to blink back tears. This was the person I jogged in the mornings with. The one that knew I hated marshmallows in my hot chocolate. The person I talked to about my dreams. The one who knows my favorite colors. It's funny how you don't really notice how close you've become with someone or how much time you spent with them until you go three weeks without talking.

"He's one of my best friends." I explain, feeling my exhaustion take over my face. "I'm not going to hurt him so I can get back at you. Unlike you I don't do things with the intention to hurt the people I care about. I'm not low enough to stoop to your level."

"I hurt you." He says looking guilty. "I hurt you and I regret it so much."

"It's just too late to change the hurt you've caused. That's what you get to live with." I tell him quietly.

"I cared too much. I got too close." He says. "You have to know that's why I did what I did."

"Please stop Dimitri." I beg him. "You can't keep doing this."

I don't feel angry anymore. Instead I feel sad. I'm just a cracked shell filled to the brim with sadness.

"I miss you." He whispers to me.

"Maybe you should've thought about that before you slept with her." I tell him before walking away.

Please take the time to leave a review. I really want to know what you guys think. I know it's not up to the usual par, but I the writer's block has been serious after a week of not writing. For those of you wondering, we are EXTREMELY close to things mending between the two. Anyways…I hope you enjoyed it and please leave a review!