~ ROSE POV ~
School had finished for the year. The halls of the academy were buzzing with everyone's exciting plans for the winter break. Students packed their bags and bid farewell to their friends. Meanwhile, I was in my room, getting ready for the gathering with Christian's aunt. No suitcase, no packing, no holiday. I suppose Lissa and I did have a pretty long holiday while on the run for two years. But now we were back, and like all the other orphaned or abandoned children here at St. Vladimir's, we would be spending the holidays on campus.
It wasn't so bad for me. I was used to it. I had spent many holidays here, with my Dhampir friends to keep me company. When we were younger, we would play games to keep ourselves entertained and even exchange small homemade gifts. It was harder for Lissa. Holidays are always hard for those who had lost a loved one. Her family always took her out of the academy on Holidays. As her best friend, they often took me too, but not always. I didn't mind. I had Mason, Eddie and a few other Dhampir kids to keep me company.
I hoped Lissa would be alright now that she had Christian. But with him going away for the break with Tasha, I didn't know how Lissa was going to handle this holiday season. This year was different for me. My mother was on campus for Christmas for the first time, not that I wanted her here, and I had Dimitri. Because of the recent Badica Massacre, the academy had permitted us from leaving campus to do our Christmas shopping as we usually did. For students like me, the Christmas shopping trip was the only time we were allowed outside of the wards. I looked forward to it every year. There were a lot of disappointed kids. But not me. For once, I didn't want to go anywhere. I had everything I needed right here.
Luckily, a couple of weeks ago, when I was staying with Lissa for girl's night in her dorm, we had gone on her laptop and overindulged ourselves on online shopping. We picked out presents for everyone. It was a fun night and the only one we had been alone for in a long time. We gossiped and laughed at some of the ridicules gifts I picked out for Christian. While picking out my gift, Lissa made me turn my back and promise not to look through the bond, so I wouldn't know what she was getting me. I told her it was unnecessary as she had bought me that damned black dress for the equinox dance only recently, but she insisted and when Lissa insists, you can't say no. I guess being the Dragomir Princess, did have its advantages. Not a lot of students would be allowed to order packages to the academy. I also made Lissa turn her back so I could pick out her gift.
After our shopping was done, we lay together on her bed watching one of the cheesy Romantic movies Lissa loves, eating the junk food Lissa had imported into the academy. Whilst out in the human world, we had both found a few snacks that were hard to give up. Every once in a while, Lissa found a way to get some delivered specially for us. When the movie was over, Lissa told me about all the milestones they had passed in their relationship. I was very happy for her, even though it was with Christian, and I badly wanted to share my own, but I couldn't. Lissa was my sister. I trusted her with everything, but this wasn't just my secret I would be sharing. Dimitri and I agreed; it would be better for Lissa find out with everyone else when we officially go public as a couple. That way, if something does go wrong, Lissa would be safe. Danger comes in more forms then just Strigoi and it was my job to protect her for all danger. I almost failed once with Victor Dashkov. I promised I never would again.
I pulled on a deep burgundy sweater dress. It was a Christmas gift from Lissa's mother Rhea. I had never worn it because it was too big for me when she first gave it to me. even after I had grown to fit it, I couldn't wear it. It felt wrong. This was the last gift she gave me, but the best gift was her faith in me to protect her beloved daughter. The cashmere material, decorated with intrinsic braids, was soft against my skin. The neck was high and sat like a scarf. It wasn't often I had the chance to dress up and be pretty. I hoped I wasn't overdressed or underdressed. The dress I wore was casual enough but still classy and elegant. I wore thick black stockings and knee-high boots with a slight heel. It had been a while since I had worn heels, but from what I remember, high heels plus snow equals disaster.
I put on a little mascara and lip gloss. The thought of doing my hair and make-up like I used to while on the run, was appealing, but I decided against it. It had been so long and while make-up and perfectly straight hair seemed like a necessity in the human world, now it just seemed pointless. I left my hair out, knowing Dimitri would be there. He loved my hair; I couldn't blame him. it was amazing. I'd have to thank my father if I ever meet him. I checked the time. I was already two minutes late. I shrugged. Back to my old habits already. I grabbed a black beanie and my red coat and left.
The snow crunched under my boots as I crossed the grounds to the old cabin that I was very familiar with. Since that night with Dimitri, I had often taken the long way just so I could pass by the cabin and reminisce that perfect night. The memories of that night always brought a smile to my face. I knocked on the old wooden door. A moment later, it opened to reveal a woman with dark hair and ice-blue eyes. I instantly knew this woman was Christian's aunt, Tasha. She wore a dark red wrap dress that made me feel underdressed. Tasha smiled brightly when recognised me.
"You must be Rosie," she said. "Christian has told me so much about you," I smirked.
"Actually, it's Rose." Her face dropped.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. Christian said your name was Rosie," she started. I laughed.
"Don't worry. Christian and I like to tease each other. We have both given each other stupid nicknames that the other hates. Isn't that right, Sparky?" I called loudly.
"Bite me, Hathaway," Christian called back. I smiled at Tasha.
"Come on in. it's freezing out here." She moved to the side to let me in. that's when I saw that scar. I had heard about what happened and knew of the scar, but it was different then I had expected. The scar was not ugly, nor was it beautiful exactly. It seemed to suit Tasha in a way and made her even more beautiful in my eyes. Tasha took my coat from me as I walked past her into the cabin. My jaw dropped in surprise as I took a look around the cabin. Tasha must have done it up a little in her time here. All over the cabin, hung festive decorations that transformed the old cabin into something that could have come straight out of a Christmas special. The bed had been pushed against the room to make room for a large dining table and a large pine tree in the corner of the room. I tried to hide my blush as I looked to the fireplace where Dmitri and I had sat together. The fire roared, heating the cabin to a comfortably warm temperature. On the mantle sat brightly coloured stockings and green wreaths of mistletoe.
"It's amazing isn't it?" asked Lissa. I turned my attention away from the cabin and onto Lissa who stood in front of me. She wore a baby pink sweater matched with a nice pair of white jeans. "Tasha has done a great job doing this place up. You'd never believe anyone has been here for years." I nodded along but actually, I preferred how it was before. It didn't matter if it was old and rundown. It was perfect the way it was. Since that night, I thought of the old cabin as Dimitri and I's place. This new and improved version was beautiful but made me feel like an intruder in Tasha's territory. I moved with Lissa to sit at the table. Dimitri sat across from me. I had been so distracted when I first walked in that I hadn't noticed him. His lips slightly quirked upwards when he looked at me. It was too quick for anyone else to notice…Anyone but me.
Tasha sat beside Dimitri at the centre of the table. Lissa sat beside me with Christian beside her. The table was set for six but from what I could tell, everyone was here. A selection of festive foods, crystal wine glasses and Christmas Bonbons' decorated the table. A mischievous idea came to my mind. I checked to make sure the others in the room were distracted. Tasha was deep in conversation with Lissa and Christian. Perfect. Stealthily, I moved my leg to slide between Dimitri's hook around his ankle, locking us together. I felt Dimitri tense slightly in surprise but she slowly relaxed and allowed his legs to tangle with mine. Just the feeling of touching him, even with layers of clothing between us, brought a sigh to my lips. I bit my lip to keep it down. Dimitri's eyes flashed a familiar look. I knew what he was thinking. I was thinking the same thing. His hand found my knee under the table. This was a dangerous game we were playing, but I didn't want it to end. His thumb traced patterns on my knee. I placed my hand on top of his and he rotated his so our fingers could lace together.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Tasha stood up and made her way to answer it. I shot Lissa a questioning look. Who else had been invited? Mason and Eddie had left with Mason's mother for the week. I had talked with Alberta earlier. She told me her schedule was chaos these holidays and today was busy taking care of the younger students.
Tasha started to say something, then stopped when she opened at the door.
"Janine!" 'Oh no!'
My mother stood there, in the doorway, looking as stiff and impassive as ever.
"Sorry I'm late," she said. "I had some business to take care of." 'Business. As always.'
I felt my stomach turn and heat rise to my cheeks as the details of my qualifier came rushing back to my mind. We hadn't spoken since she told me she failed me and passed me. I wanted to speak to her about it but not now. After three days so I had some time to relax before facing her again. As quick as a flash, Dimitri and I sprang apart. Our connection might be discrete among Moroi, but almost nothing got past a guardian, especially my mother. She was the Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew of Guardians.
She sat down with us and soon joined in the conversation. I'd long since discovered she could really only talk about one subject: guardian business. I wondered if she had any hobbies. She spoke about what she has seen when investigating the recent Badica attack.
Through the bond, I felt Lissa grow queasy. She wasn't one for gruesome talk.
I honestly couldn't believe we were having this conversation on Christmas. Her presence had soured everything and ruined my sweet moment with my Comrade.
Lunch was over quickly, and the gathering eventually dispersed. Christian and Lissa went off to do their own thing, hopefully far away from me. I wanted to pull Dimitri away to somewhere private where we would celebrate our way, But Tasha pulled Dimitri away leaving just my mother and me alone. I remembered what Dimitri had said about him and Tasha being good friends a few years ago when he was still guarding Ivan. He reassured me that their friendship had never gone further but that didn't stop my jealousy now of seeing her hand on his arm so openly without fear of being seen.
I shook off my feelings and started to leave, wanting nothing more than to go back to my room and sleep this bad feeling off, but before I could make it to the door, my mother stepped in the way blocking my path.
"I've been wanting to talk to you," she finally said. My alarms clicked on. What had I done now? I thought of ways I could escape. Thinking up some half-assed excuses that she wouldn't by. I knew if I tried to escape my mom would only tackle me. I sighed. Better to do things her way and get this over with.
"You want to, um, go to my room?" I asked after a moment.
She looked surprised, almost uncertain. "Sure."
She didn't say anything when we reached my room, but I saw her examine every detail carefully. All she was missing was a magnifying glass and a clay pipe.
"Are these for a report?" she asked, pointing to my stack of animal behaviour books.
"No. I'm just interested in it."
Her eyebrows rose in surprise. She hadn't known that. But that wasn't a surprise for me? She didn't know anything about me. Maybe she wasn't pretending in the qualifier. I was. Stranger to her, as much as she is to me. She stooped her examination and joined me on my bed.
"I wanted to tell you that I lied. You didn't fail your qualifier," she said.
"I know. Dimitri told me in training, and he explained what you did. What I want to know is why?" I said jumping straight to the point. My mother sighed looking down at her lap. It was the first time I had ever seen my mother look nervous.
"You are good. Very good. In the qualifier, it surprised me to hear your explanation and read your report. I could tell you were very dedicated and would be an amazing guardian, but I decided to give you one last test to see what you would do. That last test proved to me just how committed you are and made me realise that there was no way I could fail you. You are going to be the best guardian this world has ever seen." I nodded along with her explanation. I couldn't fault her tactic, it worked well. That way she would see who actually cared and wanted to be a guardian and those who couldn't care less whether they passed of failed.
"Well, thank you. For not failing me." I said with a wide smile. My mother rose slightly at my words. Who was this woman? An alien in disguise? If they are, they aren't doing a good job playing Janine Hathaway. My mother never smiles, not even half or slight smiles.
The silence was beginning to get awkward, but I didn't make a move to break it. I just waited patiently for my mother to say something. My mother suddenly turned on her spot, so she was facing me. I turned so I could look at her face to face.
"I want to be better," she started. I waited for her to continue but she didn't. She looked as if she wanted me to speak.
"You're already the best guardian, you don't need to be better." She took my hands and shook her head.
"Not a better guardian. A better mother." That shocked me. "I don't want us to hate each other, Rosemarie and I want a relationship with my daughter. One that's not filled with yelling a screaming whenever we are alone together." I thought for a moment.
From the moment she had arrived at the academy I had hated her. hated her for abandoning me, hated her for thinking so badly of me. Yet, here she was, the same woman a few days later. This woman felt different from the one who had first arrived. This woman had passed me on my qualifier and said I was going to be an amazing guardian. Here she was, in front of me, asking for a relationship. Asking for friendship and for me to allow her to be the mother she was supposed to be all those years ago. I had to think. Did I want this?
Yes. I wanted my mother in my life. I wanted a relationship with my mother without hatred for each other. I turned to her and smiled.
"I want that too." She smiled in response. "But, if you want a relationship without rage, you have got to stop calling me 'Rosemarie'," I said with a smile.
"Rosemarie is a beautiful name," she argued but her tone was light.
"It makes me feel old," I said through laughs. Janine smiled a genuine smile that lit up her face transforming her in my eyes from the demon of hell to my mother.
"Fine, Rose," She said bumping her shoulders softly into mine as she said my name. I smiled.
"Thank you, Mom," I said in response. Her face softened even more as I called her mom.
"I should go. I have a shift soon." I nodded standing with her to walk her out. We made it to the door but before I opened it, she Abruptly turned around.
"Oh, I almost forgot," she said as she reached behind her neck. She undid the necklace and passed it to me. "Here. Merry Christmas."
The pendant in the centre of the necklace was a flat disc of coloured glass circles. I ran my thumb over its surface. It was strange, but the circles almost made it look like an eye. The inner one was small and so dark blue that it looked black, like a pupil. Surrounding it was a larger circle of pale blue, which was in turn surrounded by a circle of white.
"Oh no. I can't take this. It's yours," I said trying to give it back to her but she wouldn't take it.
"It's yours now." She said. I hadn't expected anything from her.
"What is it?" I asked, examining the eye pendant once more.
"It was a gift I received a long time ago from someone very special. I think they would want you to have it now." She said. I nodded. I wanted to ask more but didn't want to break the beautiful moment we had created today. I would ask about it another time.
"I... I didn't get you anything."
My mom nodded, face blank and unconcerned once more. "I don't need anything. I've got you." I smiled in response and hugged her. My reaction surprised her at first, but slowly she melted into the hug. It felt strange but was nice. Soon we released each other, and she left. Once alone, I started cleaning up my room. Putting some clothes away and tidying up my desk. After a few minutes, there was a knock at my door. I knew it wasn't Lissa. The bond told me she was far away, with Christian. I answered the door.
"Dimitri?"
Thank you for reading. please don't forget to review and tell me what you think. Sad to say, updates probably won't be as frequent in the next few weeks as I have to study for my final exams. In Australia, It is called the HSC and it is a very big deal. I love writing this story but sadly it is distracting me from focusing on studying. I will still be writing as I need a break between study sessions (Or else I'll go insane) but I won't be able to do weekly updates for a little while. Please review what you thought of this chapter and what you would like to see in the following chapters. Thank you once again!