I want to set some fears/concerns at rest. No, Rose is not pregnant. It was hard enough for me to kill off Dimitri, I couldn't make Rose go through that too.
Chapter Fourteen.
3rd July 1961.
"Roza,"
Rose sobbed at the familiar nickname and threw herself into Olena's open arms.
She'd been with Dimitri's family for three days now, and despite the heaviness in her heart and the sad atmosphere that filled the Belikov's busy house with the news of his death, she felt a little more at peace. They'd welcomed her with open arms, and shown that she was truly a member of their family.
She'd arrived, nervous and terrified out of her mind. But Olena had opened the door and only needed to take one glance at Rose's face before she understood what had happened and had drawn Rose's trembling body into her embrace.
Olena had brought her into the house, settling her down onto the old, worn sofa and a few minutes later, pushing a steaming mug of hot chocolate – with two packets of hot chocolate – into her hands and encouraging her to drink up. She'd done as she was told, but before Rose had the chance to fully explain to Olena what had occurred, another woman had entered the room.
She was incredibly short and old, but not withered. Her long, silvery white hair had been twisted into a thick plait that hung down the middle of her back. She carried herself almost proudly; but when she entered the room and her eyes locked with Rose's, sadness had been apparent in their deep brown depths.
"You didn't heed my warning," Yeva shook her head sadly and Rose jumped to her feet.
"You wrote that? The note?" Tears filled her eyes as the older woman nodded.
"Cherish the time you have."
"Why didn't you tell me what it really meant?" Rose's fists clenched, and then she slumped onto the sofa as she saw the despair in Yeva's gaze.
"If I'd known more I would have told you more, Roza. Sometimes…" Even more sadness filled her eyes. "Sometimes things aren't as clear as I'd wish them to be. Hindsight is wonderful, and though it does nothing to heal our pain or rectify past incidences, it allows us the information to move into the future."
5th July 1961.
"Dimitri was- Dimitri was…" Rose's breath hitched and she swallowed heavily as she pressed her lips together, willing herself to hold back the tears. "He was the best man I'd ever met. We-" Rose blinked back more tears. "He died the day after we got married, and though we'd only been together for a little over a year and he was taken much too soon, I can honestly say that I've never felt so loved. Dimitri made me complete. He was so caring, so compassionate, so giving. He- I can never explain just how much he improved my life, just by being a part of it. He gave me a family again."
Rose smiled at Olena and the rest of the Belikov's through her tears, her ears noting the sniffles and hushed sobs that echoed through the congregation as she delivered her eulogy.
"He always wanted to return to Russia, and it breaks my heart that he finally got his wish, but not in the way that either of us anticipated. His return was supposed to be one of joy and happiness at finally being reunited with his family after twelve long years away from home. But," Rose wiped at her sore eyes and mustered up a watery smile. "His legacy lives on in his family. He will not be forgotten. And the best thing we can do to honour his memory is to live life like he did. A little at a time, going out of our way to do good deeds for those who may need them more than we realise." Rose smiled, remembering the way they'd met. "Even if it only starts with a smile and a hello."
31st July 1961.
Olena kissed Rose's cheeks softly as they hugged. "You can stay for another few days, or weeks, or even months if you w-"
Rose smiled and shook her head, hugging Olena even more tightly as she did so.
"I can't stay any longer, Olena. I came to get closure, and I have. I've been surrounded by Dimitri for the past month, but now-" She sighed, hoping Olena wouldn't take her words the wrong way. "I've gotten to know Dimitri even more, if that makes sense. Our time together was cut short, but, after staying with you all, I feel like I'm a little more… caught up."
Olena nodded and kissed her forehead. "You need to go back."
Rose nodded. "I want to stay with you all, but I do. I need to figure out what I want to do with my life and where I go now that Dimitri's not here anymore. I'll save up and come back and visit again in a few years." Tears slipped from the corners of her eyes. "I don't want to lose my family."
Olena laughed and hugged her one last time before pushing her towards the taxi that was waiting outside to take her back to the airport. "Of course you won't lose us, Roza. We'll be here, ready and waiting for your next visit."
The taxi man shut the door and Olena stepped back. "Make us, and Dimitri, proud, Roza."
Rose smiled. "I will, and I know exactly how I'm going to do it."
For what seems to be the first time ever, there's a set of VA ff awards. Nominate up to your 3 faves in each category (you have til 29th June) and then when the time comes, make sure to vote! :) : / / www (dot) fanfiction (dot) net/ s/ 8156368/1/ The_Molnija_Awards
I'm so sorry this update is so late. I got called in to work today and that just threw my whole routine off.
Just the epilogue to go, that'll be posted tonight, and then this story is complete. :'(