THIS CHAPTER HAS REFERENCES TO THE ONE OF THE SHORT STORIES IN THE VAMPIRE ACADEMY 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION. IF YOU HAVE NOT READ, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR THE EXTRA STORIES WITH THE EXTRA CUTE ROMITRI MOMENTS. ENJOY.
~ ROSE POV ~
Training with Dimitri the day after our conversation was a little different. There was no lingering touches or stolen kisses. I understood of course. We both felt the pressure of having yet another outside person aware of us. I worried if anyone else found out anytime soon it would impact our relationship even more. Dimitri would do anything to protect me and my future, even take all the blame and walk away from his life as a Guardian. I would never let him do that for me. I needed to be a Guardian now, not a teenage girl. I needed to focus to keep Dimitri and Lissa safe.
At the end of our training, as I was getting ready to leave, Dimitri pulled me aside and told me he thought it was time Lissa knew. My jaw dropped to the floor. In the last few days, the small number of people aware of our relationship had doubled and now he was suggesting we tell Lissa too.
I practically screamed my objection in his face, listing numerous reasons why it was a good idea that we did not tell Lissa. He won in the end with one simple sentence. 'Better it comes from us than someone else.' My hands were shaking, my knees threatening to buckle. I sat down and thought through all the possibilities and came to the same conclusion as Dimitri. Lissa had to hear it from me first, not Adrian or Tasha. I sighed and nodded my agreement. I would talk to her about it on Christmas.
Dimitri asked if he should be there, but I told him I thought it would be better if I spoke to Lissa alone first. He nodded and we parted ways. Dimitri promising to find a good gift for Lissa before the gathering.
I was worried about what would happen after I told Lissa. I hoped she would be happy for me after I explained everything, but I could understand her reservations for our relationship. I had to tell her first before I would introduce her to Dimitri, not as my mentor or as her Guardian, as my Boyfriend.
That night, I met up with Lissa and thought about telling her then and there. Just quickly rip off the Band-Aid. I opened my mouth, trying to find the right way to start but she beat me to it. I could feel her excitement through the bond. She was so thrilled to be hosting the first gathering with our small, but slowly growing, little family that I shut my mouth, knowing the time wasn't right, and let her gush her plans.
Lissa had asked about Dimitri after my training session with him, assuming that was when I had invited him to come along. I put a causal smile on my face, trying not to think about our conversation last night, and warned her to expect a present from him as he had RSVP'd 'yes'. The guest list was pretty short with Mason and Eddie still away, staying with Mason's mother until after Boxing Day. Christian and Dimitri had filled their spots easily making an even group of four. Lissa had shocked me when she informed me that she had also invited Adrian and my mother to join us.
I hadn't seen my mother in a few days, I had almost forgotten she was still here with everything that had gone on recently. Our relationship had gotten much better and I was actually excited to spend this Christmas with her. I was still a little unsure about Adrian but after our chat last night I was slightly reassured. I couldn't help but like him. He was charismatic the same way Lissa was. Maybe it was a Spirit thing.
Just when I was about to open my mouth and let the words flow out, Lissa jumped in, suggesting I come over to her place earlier to get ready with her and help with some of the last-minute preparations. I saw that as a golden opportunity to talk to her alone. I decided I would talk to her then and use this time to figure out what to say.
Christmas came in no time. It was the one day of the year where I was already awake before my alarm had the chance to disturb my pleasant slumber. Lissa had arranged for everyone to come to her dorm later on for gift exchange and a small dinner. Where she was planning to get food from on Christmas, I had no idea, but I was looking forward to something different than everyday academy food. The academy food was not awful exactly, but it did get a bit boring after a while. I was really hoping for something a little more exotic today.
This Christmas was different. It was our first one back at the academy. The first Christmas where we were both in relationships, not that she knew about mine…yet. Honestly, I was nervous to tell her. I just wanted to go back to that night after the lust charm. That night had been so beautiful. I was wrapped in Dimitri's arms breathing in his scent, completely content for the first time in a long while. That was a perfect night. Just the two of us. Since then, so many things had gone wrong.
More than once I had asked myself what I would do if I could go back and change something and every time the answer was nothing. I wouldn't change anything because everything that happened both good and bad, brought me closer with Dimitri and strengthened our relationship. I wouldn't change any of it.
I lay awake staring at the ceiling of my room, a mixed feeling of fear and excitement churning deep in my gut when my alarm came to life. I slammed my hand down, shutting it off, and threw my duvet off my body exposing me to the chilled December air. My phone blared a text from Lissa telling me to come over as soon as possible. I texted back quickly, telling her I would be there soon and began my search for everything I would need.
I threw on my thick robe and slid my feet inside my ruined slippers before making my way over to Lissa's room. The door was already wide open when I arrived and cautiously approached my stressed-out Best Friend. Lissa's panicking voice could be heard from the ground floor of her building. Only yesterday had I felt her excitement, now all I felt through the bond was pure terror.
Apparently, everything, that could have possibly gone wrong, had gone wrong. In the last twelve hours since I had last seen her. Lissa's most important gift for Christian had somehow gotten lost in the mail and now wasn't scheduled to arrive until after the New Year. The special Christmas meal Lissa had ordered from a five-star restaurant close to the academy had misinterpreted the time of Lissa's order. Of course, being on a nocturnal schedule made things undoubtedly difficult for those who tend to sleep at night. Human restaurants weren't used to delivering orders in the middle of the night, especially not on Christmas.
I spent the first twenty minutes with Lissa consoling her before coming up with solutions to everything. This was definitely not how I saw this early get together going, but I needed to focus on Lissa right now. There would be time to tell her later. In the end, I suggested something simpler for dinner. We looked online and found a twenty-four-hour Diner and ordered a bunch of meals that we could share with everyone. The menu was just breakfast at this time, but it didn't matter, and who didn't want to eat pancakes and waffles for dinner on Christmas anyway?
I would have to sneak into the cafeteria when no one was around to swipe a few extra bits and pieces for the party before everyone arrived. It wasn't like anyone would notice anyway. With so many students off-campus for the holiday, there was always leftovers even after the Dhampir students had seconds and even thirds.
Christian's present was a little easier than dinner. It was another box of those chocolate-covered bacon truffles that he had an unnatural attraction too. I had to admit; they weren't too bad. After I had a few I actually found myself liking them, but Christian was addicted.
"Maybe it's a sign, Lissa. That Christian needs to lay off the chocolate monstrosities," I said stroking Lissa's golden hair as I held her. Lissa laughed into my chest and moved her head to look at me.
"You said you liked them after Halloween." She said. I nodded.
"Yes, but that's okay for me. I am the unnatural one who put Ketchup on a Taco, remember?" I could still remember the horrified looks people had given me. But seriously, we'd been out of salsa, so what was I supposed to do? "I think this was a sign from the universe that Christian needs to find a new favourite treat, one without bacon, and you should give them to me instead." Lissa laughed again and brushed a couple of stray tears off her cheeks. I looked through the bond trying to find what had made her so upset. Surely there was something else that had made her so upset. "This isn't just about a missing present and delayed dinner is it?" I asked.
Lissa sighed. "What gave it away? Did you sense it?" she asked, lightly tapping her temple for emphasis.
"The bond helps, but I know you, Lis. I can feel that your upset, but I can't exactly feel why. I just know that there has to be something else going on for you to be this upset." She didn't deny it. I squeezed her tighter in my embrace. "Come on. Talk to me."
A sad smile graced her lips. "You always saw through me. Even before the bond." She released her grip on me and pulled back to face me. "This year hasn't been the best has it?" she asked.
"I'd say it has been pretty shitty at times," I answered.
Lissa nodded. "That is why this day was so important to me. I wanted one great day surrounded by all the people who have made this year slightly better in one way or another. I wanted this one great day so this year can go out with a bang and we can start the new year fresh and hopefully make it better than this one." I squeezed her hand tightly.
"That is a very nice idea, Lissa. Yes, this year hasn't been the best, but it definitely has not been the worst either." She nodded. Nothing could compare to the year of the accident. After Lissa's family died, everything got worse. The bond didn't help as neither of us knew what it was or how to control it. We struggled for a while before we left. Things got better once we were outside of the Academy, but that first Christmas was horrible. Fifteen-year-old Rose Hathaway trying to cook Christmas dinner was not a good idea. At least I managed to put a small smile on Lissa's face…even if it was for a brief moment.
No. Nothing will ever be that bad. But It's our last Christmas at the Academy, Rose. Wouldn't it be nice to have one good memory of this place before we graduate?" I thought through all the years I had been at the academy during Christmas. Lissa was right. I didn't have many fond memories of being at St. Vladimir's during the holiday season. It would be nice to have one. I nodded and squeezed her hand again.
"You're right. We better start decorating then, if we want to make this day unforgettable." I held my hand out to Lissa. She smiled up at me, nodded and took my hand. I pulled her to her feet. "Let's get started."
I arrived back in Lissa's room, my arms full of plates and cutlery 'borrowed' from the cafeteria, to find she had transformed her room into a winter wonderland. I had only been gone ten minutes, but it was like a Christmas bomb had gone off. Hand-crated Paper snowflakes hung all around the room on little silver strings. Tea lights on strings were hung all around, dimly lighting the room so it was bright enough that no one would have to stumble through the dark but still dim to set a relaxed mood for the evening. Tinsel in every colour was wrapped around every object in sight, hiding the drab academy furniture. Lissa had even managed to get a tree. It was a small fake white tree which sat on her vacant bookshelf.
She had decorated it with silver tinsel, blue bobbles and white glowing fairy lights to create an icy cool look. Beneath the tree sat a pile of gifts that we had wrapped earlier. There were more gifts than I had remembered originally. There was even one big one that had my name on it. I suspected Lissa had bought more when I was away, but Lissa caught my stare and explained.
"They are Tasha's gifts. She brought them over before she left. So sad she had to leave before Christmas, Christian was devastated he wasn't able to go with her, but at least we got to spend some time with her. I really like her." Lissa looked at me waiting for me to continue. I swallowed the curses that arose on my tongue and placed a kind smile on my face.
"She's great." That was all I could get out. Even though I was grateful to her for not sharing what she discovered, I didn't particularly like the woman. Lissa nodded in agreement and continued stringing up yet another set of fairy lights. That's right. Tasha was originally meant to leave yesterday with Christian. She came to meet his new girlfriend before taking her nephew on a small holiday away from the academy. But that all changed once she found out about my secret relationship with the man she loves.
I didn't particularly like Tasha, and I was glad she was gone so we could enjoy this holiday without worrying about her, but I still felt bad for Christian. She was the only close family he had and because of me, he wasn't going to spend Christmas with her. At least he had Lissa now, even if he wouldn't get his chocolaty-bacon treats.
Once the decorating was done, Lissa and I began to get ready. We only had an hour to get ready before the others were due to arrive and the food should be delivered to the gate within the next hour. Lissa had texted Christian to pick it up and bring it with him to the gathering so he would be here a little earlier than the others.
I slipped the same burgundy sweater dress I had worn to Tasha's gathering and slipped my stocking covered feet inside my worn black ballet flats. Lissa insisted I wear a dress to this event instead of my usual jeans and t-shirt look. This dress was my only option as the only other dress I had was that black dress from the Equinox dance. If Dimitri saw me in that dress, our secret would be out before I had a chance to tell Lissa. I kept that dress in the back of my wardrobe waiting for the right moment to pull it out again.
Lissa looked more like an angel than usual in a brilliant white number. The skirt hem was lined with fluffy faux fur that seemed to glow in the dim light of the tea lights. The dress hugged her figure with a gold sash around her middle to bring out the small curve of her waist. The long sleeves and high neckline made her look even taller than she already was. Her knee-high white boots looked warm enough to trudge through snow without risk of frostbite.
"Lis, you look beautiful," I beamed. She smiled at the compliment and ran her hands down her front smoothing out any wrinkles in the dress.
"Thank you," she said running her eyes over me. "So do you-" she paused as she took in my feet or more my shoes. "Rose, those shoes should have been thrown out months ago."
I shrugged. "It was these or my scuffed boots. I thought these were better." She shook her head and went to her closet. She came back a moment later with a cute pair of black high heeled lace-up ankle boots. "Here. You can have these."
"Have?" I asked. "Thanks, Lissa but I don't need them." She shot me a look.
"How many pairs of shoes do you have?" she asked.
"Three," I admitted. "I was planning to get some more shoes when we went on the academies annual Christmas shopping trip but since that was cancelled, I haven't had the chance."
"Take them. I never wear them. They don't suit me, but they will look amazing on you."
"Lissa, I can't-" I started but she cut in
"You need them way more than I do. It's Christmas, Rose. Don't argue with me on Christmas." I sighed.
"Thank you," I said slipping them on.
"That's better. Now, hair and makeup." It had been so long since I had really worn makeup. While Lissa made up her entire face with expensive cosmetics, I opted for less. A little eyeliner and mascara were enough for me, but Lissa managed to convince me to add a little bright eyeshadow for the holiday. I chose a colour close to my dress and lightly dusted my lids with it. I was about to apply my normal lip-gloss, the one Dimitri had given me in the infirmary after the trip to Missoula, when Lissa handed me a bright red lipstick. One glance at it was enough for me. I couldn't resist the urge and painted my lips a stunning red. It looked like blood on my lips in an alluring kind of way that brought out the dark brown of my eyes.
Lissa had straightened her long blonde hair and applied all her cosmetics perfectly. Her eyes were dusted with a shimmering gold eyeshadow that made her jade green eyes sparkle. Her cheeks were pink with life, even if it was artificial, and gave her a beautiful rosy look. Her lips she had left natural adding a strawberry flavoured lip balm that I knew was for Christian's benefit.
Asif my thoughts summoned him; a knock sounded on Lissa's door. She ran off excitedly to answer it and greet her boyfriend. I groaned loudly enough for him to hear but it was just for show. I had grown to like Christian since that incident with Victor and Natalie. Christian had saved Lissa that night and I would always be grateful to him for that. I liked him for her. He made her happy, I could feel it through the bond, and I could see it on her face whenever he walked into a room. It was love. So, I had come to accept him. Besides, Christian was so much better than Aaron.
He walked into the room with a box in his arms. The sweet smell of syrup filled the air making my mouth water. All I wanted was to dig into the pile of breakfast goods. I hadn't eaten all day and I was starving, but I knew how much food there was. Even with three Dhampirs, there would be enough to fill my stomach until after boxing day. Lissa might have to roll my out her door after tonight.
The pancakes were calling to me, but I shut them out and turned my attention to Christian as Lissa took the box from him and strode to place the box on the small table that was set for the six of us.
"Merry Christmas, Fire Crotch," I greeted.
"One day, you can't even go one day without calling me that?" he asked. I smiled smugly, folding my arms across my chest and shot him a pointed look.
"Gotta keep it consistent but you are due for a nickname upgrade. How about Pyro?" Christian rolled his eyes and shook his head as he walked further into the room. I missed the bag in his hands earlier. He stopped before the little tree and emptied his bag adding his presents to the pile. I saw one very small one with Lissa's name on it and smiled approvingly. It had to be jewellery of some kind. Smart kid. Jewellery was always a good gift for Lissa.
Only a few moments later, another knock sounded on the door. Lissa shot me a pleading look and I nodded. She smiled gratefully before turning to Christian and embracing him.
I walked to the door and opened it to find Adrian and my mother on the doorstep. My mother saw me first and moved to embrace me. I was caught off guard for a moment forgetting how we had both agreed not to hate each other and try to be better. I returned her hug, squeezing her slightly as she whispered into my ear, "Merry Christmas, Rosemarie."
For once I didn't chastise her for using my full name and instead responded, "Merry Christmas, Mom." She moved into the room to greet Lissa and I turned to Adrian. His arms were full of gift bags. I didn't doubt that he would have ordered gifts for us upon receiving the invitation though I suspected he wasn't bothered enough to wrap them and instead used gift bags to make them more presentable.
"Merry Christmas, Little Dhampir." I truly hated that nickname, but I put a smile on my face and ignored the urge to sigh.
"Adrian." I moved forward to help take some bags off his hands and instantly stopped breathing as I took in the heavy scent of alcohol on him. "Fan of the eggnog, are you?"
"Anything that helps take the edge off. Don't worry, I promised Lissa to be on my best behaviour, and" he said before he leant in and whispered so quietly, I almost missed it, "even drunk I know how to keep a secret." He pulled back and smiled at my worried expression.
"Let's hope so, or I might be put on trial for murder after tonight." He laughed huskily and patted my head like I was a little puppy before walking further into the room. I shut the door and began walking in to greet the others when another knock sounded on the door. I turned, opened the door and there he was, looking every inch like the sexy badass Guardian God he was.
TWO CHAPTERS IN ONE WEEK?! I felt bad for neglecting this story so I got to work straight away on this chapter and I hope to bring you another one on the weekend. I know it is nowhere near Christmas but I had to do the Christmas Scene from VA. I did one with Tasha but this chapter and the next one will be focused on the gang and their celebration. I hope you liked this chapter even though it is a bit of a fluffy chapter. Let me know what you thought.