Hey again guys. This is a quick update for you all. I hope you enjoy this new chapter. Also, thank you for your encouraging words, I really appreciate them. But, I would also like to know how you think this story will play out and what you want to see in the future chapters of the story. It is kind of hard to work on the story without a lot of feedback, so, it would be great if more readers would let me know their thoughts via their reviews. …. So, without further ado, here is you next chapter …. :D :D . .
Dimitri had gone to work a little late ever since the encounter with Rose, and he was pretty sure that she left a little early every morning too. The only proof of her actually being with Jesse almost every other night was Jesse waking up and bragging to Dimitri about how " that Rose girl was well worth the money", and Dimitri was getting increasingly tired of this. Not only did Jesse's demeanour bring back too many memories, but it also made it nearly impossible for Dimitri to forget her.
It was not until a few days later when Dimitri was browsing through the shelves in the library on his day off, that he saw Rose again. She was sitting there, lost in a book, at the far end of a tucked away table. She didn't seem to notice her surroundings, and Dimitri decided on this moment to deliver a much deserved apology. He caught her attention as he went up to her, but she didn't raise her eyes from her book, which had, as Dimitri noticed, " Tolstoy" written on the bottom of the front cover.
" Hey, I didn't know that – " he began in a friendly tone, seating himself next to her, but she cut him off mid – sentence.
" That whores could read. Is that what you didn't know, Guardian?" She finally looked up at him, and the acid in her expression came as no shock to Dimitri.
" That's not what I was going to say, Rose."
" But, that's what you were thinking. That's all that people think."
" I was going to say that I didn't know you liked Tolstoy, that's all." Dimitri explained and paused for a moment before continuing. " And why would I think that, Rose? My mother loves to read; and so do my elder sisters."
He didn't know why he would choose to confide in her, a woman whose profession made him rather uncomfortable, but he didn't even think twice before letting her know this about himself. It seemed natural to him. Perhaps, he was simply trying to make amends, who knows? But, he somehow felt relieved of a burden once he told Rose.
Rose had previously gone back to turning the pages of her book while listening to what Dimitri had to say, but this made her look up at him with surprise etched on her face. She studied him for what felt like an eternity and finally snorted and stood up.
" Looks like your mother taught you really well then." She said, her voice dripping with derision, while making her way towards the exit.
" I only wanted to apologise for what I said. I really am sorry, Rose. I didn't mean to." He blurted out, in a final attempt at making her listen.
" Very well. It's been noted." She spoke curtly and turned to leave.
That was the last Dimitri had seen of her. And it was what he was thinking about when he heard Mikhail call him over to his table at a nearby café.
" Hey, Dimitri. Come on over. Where have you been lately? We haven't really hung out in a while, have we?"
Dimitri was about to greet him and take a seat when he heard a very familiar voice complaining from behind him.
" That guy at the counter always messes up my order. I'm beginning to think that he does it on purpose. Or maybe he is just that stupid."
Rose stopped in her tracks when she saw Dimitri and threw a questioning glance at an unaware Mikhail. " Well, look who we have here. Is it just me or are our encounters becoming rather frequent?"
" Mikhail here called me over a few minutes ago. I thought he was alone, but I should probably leave to you both to yourselves." Dimitri tried to excuse himself.
" Nonsense. Sit down, it's all fine. Judging by the way you look, it probably wouldn't hurt you to get a cup of coffee. Fair warning, your coffee will most certainly wind up being something very different from what you ordered." She said, seating herself.
This confused Dimitri. A few days ago, Rose seemed to hate him and now she was inviting him to join them? That is why he couldn't resist asking, " But, I thought you didn't want to see me, or was I just imagining that?"
" Wait. Why wouldn't you want to see him? Is there something wrong?" piped in a clueless Mikhail.
" It's a long story, Mikhail, don't even bother about it." She told him, and then turned to Dimitri and said, " I wouldn't go out of my way to meet you, but, now that you are here I am not exactly the one to hold grudges. I have been through much worse."
Dimitri felt uncomfortable discussing this in front of their friend and decided not to pursue the subject as Rose brought her cup to her lips and took a sip.
" I could really punch that boy now. He gets it wrong every single time, and he happens to be the only person manning this stupid café." Rose declared.
" I wouldn't be surprised if you did punch him, Rose. It is a wonder that you didn't." chortled Mikhail.
" I would have if no one was looking. All those years of training may be good for killing Strigoi, but it doesn't really provide the best public spectacle. I don't usually pick fights where people can see me." She replied jovially.
" Wait. You have been trained to be a guardian?" blurted out Dimitri.
" Hell yeah. A class A guardian at that." Chimed in Mikhail.
" I'm flattered, Mikhail. I bet I could kick your ass any day of the week." She laughed and then turned to Dimitri, "Well, Belikov. Between the Tolstoy and the former guardianship, you must think I am a badass, huh?" Rose snickered, leaning back on her chair.
Dimitri chuckled at that. Despite back the innumerous questions that this little piece of information gave rise to , Dimitri actually felt comfortable in her presence for the first time. The three of them talked about a range of things, most too insignificant to matter, and Dimitri found himself laughing, something he hadn't done in a long time.
And as Rose stood up to leave some time later, she said, " See you guys later. And Belikov, I am now sure that we will meet soon." Dimitri nodded with a smile in reply, but something about her expression astonished him. Her smile was enchanting as usual, but her eyes seemed to bore into his very soul, as if it lay bare in front of her for her to read. He found himself eager to meet her again, but certainly not in the way that he did the next time …..
Did you like it? What do you think will happen next? I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I hope you let me know your thoughts via your reviews. Until next time, keep reading and enjoy ….. :D :D . .