The turned over to move away from the bright light peeking through the blackout curtains on the windows of my suite. Waking up abruptly I realized that the this was the first time I was waking up alone here. I tried to stifle the feeling of sadness that followed this realization. Yesterday had been a wonderful day with Mason but, I needed to get up and face today.

Last night right as the movie was finishing Rose called Mason. Both he and Alex left immediately to go meet her. Paisley and Andrew left shortly after the movie. Probably to continue the activities they had started on my floor. Matty stayed and chatted with me for a few minutes, but left shorty after receiving a call that I suspected was from Nicole.

Before leaving Mathew asked me if I wanted to go to church with him in the morning which surprised me partially because my concept of time had been so corrupted that I had no idea it was Sunday, and partially because Matty didn't strike me as the overly religious type.

Keeping my thoughts to myself I thanked him and agree to meet up with him. No matter how spoiled he appeared on the outside Mathew was really very thoughtful.

After taking a lengthy shower and scrubbing off the smell of sweat and the lingering smell of Mason off of my skin I pulled out my best church attire. Mathew warned me that this was not a come as you are kind of service. I settled on a navy blue wrap dress with a modest v neck line. I added a cranberry three quarter sleeved blazer with matching heals. I was going for a trendy look but, wearing heals was starting to be necessary with all ridiculously tall guys everywhere. Taking care to be neat with my makeup I let my hair air dry and scrunched it with some gel.

As I finished I heard a familiar knock on the door from the adjoining rooms.

"O good your up already. "Dad said not really surprised by my promptness.

"I wanted some extra time to get ready for church."

Dad nodded like he expected as much from me. "I'm glad you remembered. So much for coming in to remind you," He said taking a seat next to me on the end of the bed. "Did you have a fun time yesterday with Mason?" He said restraining a smirk.

"Yes, I had a really good time. The trails here are challenging enough and Mason did a good job keeping up," I tried to say without being too enthusiastic. There was no point in lying to my father, he would know, but I didn't need to be obvious either.

"Mason is a good kid. Hanging around him will give you some good perspective."

I attempted to blink away his preachy comment. "Mason said that he thinks that you can read him like a book."

Dad laughed loudly, "Did some talking did you?" He paused with a grin. "Reading him is easy. He is just like his father. Hopefully, if Mason realizes how transparent he is it will keep him from getting too handsie with you. " He emphasized wagging his eyebrows.

Leaning over to playfully smack his leg I attempted to give him my best disbelieving look and shook my head. "Lets just keep that thought to ourselves," I blushed.

"What does Mason think about Mr. Zelkos hanging around," Dad said apprehensively.

His comment annoyed me. "Mason doesn't say anything about it, I didn't ask him. He doesn't get to deiced who is worthy of my friendship," I finished a little loudly.

Dad nodded as if I had passed his test. "Good. I was happy to see you had already made a few friends. You've always been that way," he mentioned proudly and took a deep breath. "After church today your grandmother has invited us to tea."

"Tea?" I said arching an eyebrow.

"That's what she said. I am trying to be agreeable. It's a new thing in our relationship, I'm hoping to throw her off her usual game. Abe managed to get himself invited but, despite Jill's best efforts your grandmother ignored her."

I gave him a reassuring smile. "It was sweet of her to try. I'm sure everything will be fine," I tried to comfort him. "I have one question though, how does she want me to address her." I paused at Dad questioning look, "I wouldn't be comfortable calling her Grammie or Nana and I'm sure she would be horrified. Do you think that she is looking for something more formal?"

Dad looked crestfallen, "I hadn't thought of that Paris, I'm sorry. This is new territory for us all and there is bound to be a few miss steps. I promise to ask her though." He reached over and took my hand. "I have to sit with her but, you go to church with your friends. I'll text you when I have a place and time. I'm proud of you Paris. "

I looked down at the ground blinking away some stray tears, "I miss mom, I wish she was here."

"Me too but, we are going to get through this together. Mom told me earlier that Ben is very anxious and worried about you. He isn't sleeping well. You should give him a call later. "

I agreed and promised to meet up with him later in the day. Dad left with a hug and a small smile.

Glancing toward the clock in the sitting room I realized it was only 3:45. I wasn't even supposed to meet Mathew until 4:30. Getting impatient I decided I would try to text him.

Paris: Hey Matty I know it's earlier than we talked about, but do you want to grab some food before church?

Mathew: Sure, I'm definitely hungry. I haven't eaten since your impromptu feast earlier.

Paris: Great I'm starving.

Mathew: Just text me when you're ready and I'll meet you.

Paris: I'm ready when you are!

Mathew: REALLY. Okay I'll be right there.

I grabbed a hair tie to put on my wrist for later when my hair started annoying me and some lip gloss. I threw them in my cranberry Kate Spade wristlet for later and moved toward the door. Walking out into the hall I could see Mathew coming around the corner toward me in a striking navy blue suit. It had a slight grey stripe that made it look modern and accented the blue of his eyes perfectly.

"Having trouble sleeping?" he asked looking concerned.

"No, I slept all right. Why do you look so surprised to see me?"

He shook his head as if he was trying to forget something, "It's just that every other girl I know takes forever to get ready. It's amazing that in half the time of most women you manage to look twice as beguiling."

I smiled, "I think that maybe you sit at home on rainy nights and practice these compliments."

Mathew flashed me one of his beauty pageant smiles, "No just one of my God given talents. What about you?"

Shrugging is stated,"I'm efficient."

"I can see that," he laughed. "What are you in the mood to eat?"

"Honestly, I would love a coffee and a doughnut."

Mathew looked pleased with my suggestion and led the way toward the food. When we arrived I realized this was the same place that I had eaten the day before with Mason. The thought made me quickly check my phone hoping for some kind of communication from him.

Seeing the perplexed look on my face Mathew turned to me, "Hey grab a table. I'll get the food."

I walked in the dining area and quickly picked a large table in the middle of the room instead of the intimate table in the corner that Mason and I had shared the day before. I sent Mason a text telling him I'd save a seat for him in church and hoped for a rely.

When Mathew walked over I was glad that I had chosen a large table. He toted a huge box of doughnuts and a couple of coffees.

Placing them on the table he looked at me, "Everything okay? I didn't know what you liked so I got a little of everything."

"Yes," I sighed. "Just trying to avoid repeating a bad situation."

Putting my phone down I looked at the amazing selection before me. The sight of the different doughnuts made my stomach grumble so without skipping a beat I grabbed a sour cream and a sprinkle. After I had finished them off I looked up for my coffee and caught an amused expression from Mathew.

"Why is it that I am always entertaining you?" I said tartly.

"I'm not sure." Mathew laughed. "Do you always eat like that?".

"Eat like what?"

He looked pointedly at the Boston creme doughnut that I had worked my way halfway through. "It's just that most girls don't like to eat around me. They want me to believe that they can survive on oxygen alone. Even Paisley would probably just eat half of one. It's kind of fun to watch you eat with abandon. "

"It never really occurs that I should change myself to impress someone." I suddenly felt self conscious for the first time around Mathew.

"I think that's an amazing part of your character Paris. It makes me feel like you are a truly trust worthy person. I mean even your smile catches me off guard sometimes."

"That doesn't make any sense Matty."

He looked thoughtful for a moment like he was trying to figure out the best way to explain, "When Moroi are young, we are taught to smile very carefully without showing our teeth. This helps us to blend in when we are in public and not attract attention. I don't think that dhampirs are taught the same thing, but they seem to mimic us for the most part. When you smile Paris it is so bright and beautiful it lights up the whole room."

I could feel myself blushing slightly and I hated that he could tell. "I think that is the best compliment you have ever given me." I paused, "My father keeps most of the that kind of information to himself. I don't think that he wanted to ever make me or my brother feel different. I know that being in the sun too long makes him tired and that he has to wear heavy sunglasses. Honestly, I didn't even know that he had a feeder until I was in high school."

Mathew looked at me pointedly, "I'll keep that in mind." He seemed impressed that I trusted him enough to share that with him.

I looked down at my phone repeatedly through our conversation. Finally Mathew commented, "Are you hoping to hear from Paisley or Mason because Andrew and Paisley are on their way down? They better hurry though if they want a doughnut," he said with a broader smile.

"No, I was hoping that Mason would text me back. I told him that I would save him a seat."

"I'll admit I was surprised that you and Mason hooked up so quickly. He didn't seem your type."

I frowned, "I was a little surprised myself. I really didn't think that he could stand me until yesterday. Our parents are old friends so we were spending a lot of time together. I thought it Mason was just being friendly because his parents wanted him to, like you." I was annoyed by his comment. I already didn't feel like I was good enough for Mason without him pointing it out.

Before Mathew got a chance to respond Paisley and Andrew wandered in to find us. Much to my horror Paisley only ate half of an old fashion doughnut. I checked my phone a few more times before we wandered over to the chapel. I put my phone on vibrate hoping that he was just running late.

When we walked into the chapel I was stunned. It was ornately decorated in large arch ways with wooden carved walls. The ceilings were vaulted and had gold leaf angels arranged along different areas. Large marble statues and huge painted stations of the cross decorated the walls. It looked more like a famous European church then a ski lodge chapel. It was breathtaking.

I distractedly walked into the very full chapel and glanced around seeing Dimitri sitting in the last pew closet to the isle. We made brief eye contact and he gave me an approving nod but, no Mason.

The service was similar enough to what I was used to that I could easily follow along. The priest was a short bald man that spoke with a thick enough accent that it was sometime difficult to understand. Sitting sandwiched between Mathew and Paisley I missed quite a few things that he said. After the service ended I looked up to catch a glance at my father walking along sit a statuesque woman with familiar blonde hair and sharp features. I could see the sad expression my father was trying to squash and resolved to do my best to make today as easy as possible for him.

"She is very attractive isn't she?" Mathew leaned over to whisper quietly in my ear.

"She is much younger looking than I had imagined," I returned quietly appreciating his discretion. We waited patiently as the chapel emptied, not wanting to attract too much attention to ourselves. Mathew's mother smiled pointedly at us as she walked by our pew.

After the majority of the congregation had dispersed Mathew and I made our way out and were immediately intercepted my Jill.

"Hi sweetie missed you yesterday. Have fun with Mason?" she said with a knowing grin.

I sighed. Sometimes Jill's bond with my Dad could be annoying. "Yes, but I haven't seen him yet today."

"The day is still young." Jill said happily.

"I heard that you were uninvited to tea," I joked.

Jill rolled her eyes in a way that she often did. "Yeah that grandmother of yours is a real gem. You look ready, very mature," she finished studying my ensemble.

"I will be just fine. She is just one woman after all," I continued mimicking Mason's earlier words. "Abe managed to get himself an invite. It is practically impossible to say no to him."

I gave Jill an encouraging hug and promised to call her when we were finish, although I was sure that despite not being in the room she would have a front row seat.

Mathew and I wandered back toward the lobby in an uncomfortable silence until he abruptly stopped. Putting each of his hands firmly on my shoulders he stopped me, "Paris I want to make sure that you understand something. I am not your friend because I want to please my mother. If I became friends with every person my mother encouraged I would have a thousand best friends. You are a great person that I have fun being around. It's incredible how much I smile and laugh when you're around. Promise me that no matter what anyone says you know that I honestly want to be your friend. Promise me. "

I took a huge step back to discourage the curious glances we were getting and looked up into his genuinely sadden expression. He looked so concerned. "I promise Mathew," I said his full name to emphasize the seriousness.

I felt a buzz in my pocket and hoped that Mason was finally going to respond. Looking down I realized it was my father passing me the remainder of the details for our all anticipated tea.

I looked up at Mathew, "Do you have any idea where the empire room is?"

"Yes, I think that it the circular room all the way on the top floor. It's a private function room I think. Not very big, but it has a spectacular view."

"Okay that makes sense," I said making my way toward the elevator. "That's where I'm being summoned. I'm sure I'll find it."

"I can probably show you the way better than I could give you directions," he paused. "If you want."

I accepted enthusiastically. It was so easy to get turned around in the long curvy hallways of the lodge, I was happy to not have to worry about being late. When we arrived I was momentarily stunned. The 360 degree view from the top of the 24 floor was a spectacular. We made our way over to a cushy brown leather couch, both of us sitting but too transfixed to hold any real conversation.

I melodic chatter behind us caught my attention and I turned to see my father and the same woman from church approaching us.

I glanced and forced a smile toward my father as they came close to us.

"The view is breath taking from up hear isn't it," the woman said in a way that she didn't truly expect a response.

"Yes, it's spectacular thank you for the invitation," I tried hoping to seem appreciative.

"Paris," Dad said solemnly this is my grandmother Daniella Ivashkov.

"Hello dear, you may call me grandmother," she smiled in an irritating way. "That is after all who I am right?"

I bit off the remark I wanted to make about how she decided now to be my grandmother, knowing that wouldn't help the situation. "It's a pleasure to meet you," I said with a tight smile.

"Shall we sit and have some tea? They should be along with refreshments shortly." She stopped and stared at Mathew as if she just noticed he was in the room. "Mr. Zelkos have you been making Paris feel welcome here?"

I'll admit I feared for him as he answered.

Mathew responded like a pro, "I've tried my best Madam. Paris is very good company." He finished with one of his famous polished smiles.

"Wonderful, join us for tea," Daniella spoke her command and moved toward the opposite side of the room where the tea service had been arranged.

Mathew looked surprised and glanced at me for reassurance but, I just shrugged. Dad observed our silent communication and gestured for us to move quickly. As we took our new seats I watched Abe exit the elevator and join us. He gave me a brief kiss on the check and eyed Mathew strangely before politely introducing himself.

"Such interesting company you keep Adrian," my grandmother remarked as Abe took a seat between Daniella and me. "So tell me have you been enjoying your stay here so far Paris?"

Really this woman waited sixteen years to meet me and she wanted to discuss my hotel room? I was momentarily disappointed. "Yes ma'am, it's a wonderful resort. I appreciate the lovely accommodations that you made for us."

Abe winked at me so fast I almost missed it. It's a good thing he was impressed because my hands were starting to sweat.

"I'm glad, thank you for joining us," she finished slowly taking her time to really look at me for the first time. "It is truly remarkable how much you resemble me."

I glanced at Mathew and despite the obvious tension in the room he appeared calm and collected. I decided to mimic him and busied myself fixing a cup of tea.

"Are you a painter like your father?" she wondered.

I smiled at my father. I always wished I had his talent to create amazing pictures. "Sadly no, I never had any talent with a paint brush, but I do very much enjoy music."

My grandmother looked up at me hopefully, "Your father told me how talented you are on the piano. Do you sing."

"Only a little, mostly when I play guitar," I tried to be honest. "I have a passion for all different areas of music."

"Paris is a beautiful dancer," Abe smiled proudly.

"I started teaching ballet this year. The little girls are so much fun, I've really enjoyed it," I smiled my first genuine smile of the conversation. Mathew noticed and nodded encouragingly.

"That's a shame. Wasting your talents teaching, instead of performing," my grandmother replied sullenly.

"I hadn't really thought about it that way. Where we live there isn't many opportunities to perform. Maybe in college," I said hopefully.

As the food was served, I grabbed a few small sandwiches and cookies to eat. I was hoping to force a topic change, but she continued to question me.

"Your father tells me you are quite bright. That you have practically finished your school work and have been accepted into college already."

"I tested out of so many classes that, despite not wanting to graduate early, I'm running out of classes to take. I am not interested in spending my senior year in wood shop so I applied to a few colleges," I tried to explain.

"Where have you been accepted? Abe asked innocently.

"I was accepted early admission at Columbia and Brown," I said slowly trying not to sound conceited. "I should hear from Yale and Princeton in the next few months."

For the first time I saw Mathew's facade crack. He looked like he could be sick.

"As I understand it Mathew you are having some trouble this year in school," she added not considering if she embarrassed him.

Mathew took a deep breath, "Yes Ma'am I am have trouble with foreign languages in particular.

Daniella stared, willing him to continue.

"Also, I have trouble in Math," he finished glancing at his hands.

"It's such a shame Paris couldn't tutor you, isn't it Mathew? Especially since she enjoys teaching so much. I'm sure that you could also benefit from her expertise in applying to colleges."

The phone in my purse buzzed softly but I was too astonished to give it any thought. The smile washed from my face. I did not appreciate my grandmother making her point at Mathew's expense.

"I'm impressed Mother I didn't think that you would bring up this topic until at least our second meeting," my father said snidely.

Her head snapped up to look at him, "I'm impressed with Paris. She is wasted at the school she attends. They can no longer offer her anything. Admit that you have come to the same conclusion. "

"Sydney and I have considered discussing it with Paris, yes."

With the mention of my mother's name my grandmothers face turned violent. "Good, then discuss it with her now."

"Discuss what exactly?" I interrupted apologizing to Mathew with my eyes.

Abe interjected objectively. "Are you suggesting that Paris spend next year at St. Vlad's?"

"What I'm suggesting is that she start next semester. Paris needs to be around people of her own kind. She needs to be immersed in our culture."

"Like a foreign exchange student?" Abe tried.

"Grandmother I am not a fighter," I interjected adamantly, "there is no way I would attempt any of the guardian classes. There would be no place for me. I would never fit in."

She had the nerve to laugh, "Well of course you don't, your an Ivashkov. Even if it is only half. You are a talented and intelligent girl they would have to make a place for you. I can be very persuasive. Give it some thought. I could make it mutually beneficial."

Now she was hoping to buy me off. I was beginning to thing think this woman was off her rocker. Glancing over at Mathew I saw him lightly tap his watch. Looking over the the clock on the wall I realized we had been sitting there for almost an hour. It was time to end this shindig.

"Excuse me, but Mathew has a previous engagement and. "

My grandmother stopped me in mid sentence and flipped her hand in our direction, "You are both excused. Paris, promise me you'll think about what we talked about."

"I will." I said standing up and grabbing my clutch. "It was good to finally meet you, thank you for tea."

Mathew and I started walking out but I heard my grandmother say, "It is amazing to me that you managed to raise a respectful teenager. After all Abe and I both failed miserably."

Entering the elevator I groaned, "That was painful. I can't believe her. I was totally expecting her to be demeaning or condescending to me, but never to you. I thought she would have more class. She is delusional if she thinks I'm going to drop my whole life and all my commitments to run off to the woods. I could never leave Ben. But, I promise Matty I will make this up to you."

Mathew shook his head, "That woman is a professional she knew exactly what she was doing. Don't worry about me I know she was just trying to make a point. I can think of a few ways you can make it up to me," he smirked and then frowned looking down at his phone, "Nicole is blowing up my phone, I have got to meet her or she is going to lose it. "

"I understand," I told him following him off the elevator after the long ride to the ground floor. I didn't even have a reason to be there I was so disoriented from the last hour. Stopping outside of the lobby I grabbed him for a huge hug, "Thank you so much for understanding. I am so embarrassed I can't even stand it," I looked down at my hands, "Please, please don't mention our conversation to anyone. Especially not Mason he would flip out."

"Yeah right he would probably be so excited he would do a back flip," Mathew stated.

I pleaded, "No, I don't think so. Just keep it to yourself okay?"

"What are you keeping to yourself Mathew? What should we definitely not tell Mason?" Nicole walked between us and asked in a slimy tone. "I can't believe you blew me off for her again, I thought we had an understanding?"

"We do Nicole," he said putting his arm around her and directing her in the opposite direction. "Don't freak out. I'm right here."

I shook my head as they walked away. He could do so much better.

Feeling dazed and out of sorts I turned and made my way over to get a cup of coffee. I looked over to see that Rose joined me in line.

"How did it go? Do I need to go up there and pull the old man off of her?" Rose asked casually.

"No, I don't think so. When I left she was busy insulting my father not yours," I added taking a sip of my hot coffee.

Rose grimaced,"You want to go sit and chat for a minute?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "Sure."

We made our way over to an empty area of the restaurant and sat quietly for a minute.

Rose broke the ice, "So how traumatized are you?"

I smiled, "I'm okay really. In a weird twist of fate my grandmother seemed to like me. She has plans for me."

"That doesn't sound good," Rose cringed. "Promise me that if you need my help, with anything, you'll call me. I know that things can get out of control very quickly with Daniella and I'll help you anyway I can."

"That's really sweet of you to offer. I promise if I can't handle her I'll call you." I said finally relaxing into my chair.

"I know you didn't ask for it but can I give you a little mom advice?"

I nodded at her hoping she wasn't going to bring Mason into the conversation.

"I have seen you with Mathew Zelkos a few times and I just want you to be careful around him. He is a good looking kid don't get me wrong but, it won't end well," she finished shaking her head.

I wasn't sure what to say. I definitely couldn't tell her I had every intension of hooking up with her son for the rest of the week. "Thanks for the advice Rose, but I really don't have any intension of being anything but friends with him."

Rose looked at me like she couldn't quite believe me when I saw Alex walk in. He took a chair from another empty table and pulled it up along side our table and sat backwards on it.

"Hey Paris, I had fun last night. I think that Mason may have had the most fun though," Alex joked. My face flamed red. Alex was a typical little brother that couldn't keep his mouth shut. "Mason has been pacing in our room for a while texting you. He looked worried."

I had been hearing the vibrating coming from my clutch, but had been so distracted I hadn't checked it. I immediately texted him to tell him where I was and that I had just finished with my grandmother. I apologized and asked him to join us just as I looked up to see him enter the room and come straight at me. I was in trouble.

"Did you get my messages," Mason said sadly.

I hated that I disappointed him. "I swear I just got them. I was with my Dad and grandmother until a few minutes ago."

Alex just had to add, "Stop talking about it and go kiss and make up."

"Alex," Mason warned. My face was bright red.

Rose busted out laughing. "I guess my little speech about not getting involved with Mathew was unnecessary."

"Probably," I said under my breath.

"Come on Alex lets give them some privacy," Rose got up and grabbed Alex leading him out of the restaurant in front of her.

When they were out of sight Mason reached over and grabbed my hand. "I'm sorry I was still asleep with you texted me earlier. My mom thought last night was a good time to give us a kick ass workout. I was totally exhausted. I had every intention of getting up to give you a great pep talk."

"It's okay Mason," I said stroking the back of his hand with my thumb. "Matty grabbed breakfast with me. We met Paisley and Andrew for church. " I noticed that Mason wasn't relaxing. "My grandmother ambushed him and made him stay for tea. I felt terrible but he was a really good sport."

"Can you please tell me why you call him Matty?" Mason said stiffly. "Is there anything that I can do or say to get you to stay away from that guy?"

I looked up at Mason with sad eyes, "I just told you how much he helped me today when you weren't around. You should be thanking him not trying to tell me what a horrible guy he is. I call him Matty because I want to. What's your problem with him?"

"My problem Paris is that he wants in your pants. That's what he does." Mason looked like he was just barely holding onto his anger. "I know I can't expect you to stay away from him forever, but I was hoping this week while we were here together maybe."

"Mason do you hear how ridiculous you sound. Matty is with Nicole. She goes all crazy stalker girlfriend whenever he is around me. How could you think that I would want to be with him, when you are so much cuter?" I said trying to lighted the mood.

"Did my mother really give you a speech about why you shouldn't get involved with him?"

"Yup, she sure did," I nodded solemnly.

Mason grinned, "You want to go upstairs and relax for a little while?"

"Only if we go to my room, I might punch Alex right now."

"You got it," Mason said pulling me out of the restaurant and toward the elevator.

My day was about to get way better.

I had every intention of getting this up much earlier, but in some computer mistake the first six pages I wrote got deleted. I sent most of yesterday trying to rewrite the story. I hope it came out better the second time :)! As always thanks for reading. I'm hoping to have another Mason chapter up in a few days!