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CHAPTER 22
ROSE'S POV
After I was released from the hospital; Adrian and I started on our trip back home at Court. I was glad I got to meet his mother and sisters, but his dad was a different story all together. Adrian enlightened me
with the contents of the conversation he had with his Dad. At this point, I didn't care what his Dad thought of me. It has been made perfectly clear about how he feels about me and it really didn't matter anymore.
Adrian felt so bad about the situation, but I told him not to be; I was more worried about him being hurt, and really I was used to the inequity between the Dhampirs and Moroi. It really was no unknown secret.
Dhampirs are fully aware of their worth to certain Moroi. It was never going to change, so I just roll with it.
I had something I really needed to discuss with Adrian and I am so scared to bring it up to him. He has done so much for me and the baby; fighting with his father, alienating himself from their relationship
because of me, and basically willing to sacrifice anything and everything just to love us. I don't want to hurt him, but this was really important to me. It honestly needed to be discussed; the sooner, the better.
The baby would be born soon and with the current complications I am experiencing; he could come at anytime and this needed to be resolved before that happens.
I turned to him, taking a calming breath. He sensed my tension, leave it to Adrian to always know what I am feeling. He knew me so well. "What's wrong baby?" He glanced at me briefly, taking my hand
in his. It was now or never. "Adrian, I have something I need to talk to you about, but I don't want you to get mad." I anxiously waited for his response.
He raised his eyebrow, "Rose, I could never get mad at you. What is it you want to talk about?" He ask with curiosity evident in his tone.
"I was thinking….. I would like to tell Olena Belikov about the baby. I mean I would like to make her aware of the whole situation. How do you feel about that? I don't want to hurt you or make you uncomfortable
in any way. I would rather hurt myself than hurt you. If you are mad I understand." I was rushing my words in one long breath.
Adrian squeezed my hand and gave me that 'melt my world' smile of his. "Babe….Breathe. It's okay, I am not mad. Of course you should tell her. I think under the circumstances; her losing her only son and having
nothing but memories of him to remind her, knowing about his son would help mend her broken heart."
I knew that wasn't the worst part of it. I still had one more thing to discuss with him and it was more important than speaking with Olena. I gave Adrian a sideward glance and waited for him to notice; having him move
the conversation forward. "Is there something else, Rose? You are apprehensive about saying something else. Please just say it. You are starting to make me nervous." Pleading with his dazzling green eyes.
"This may come across as rude or disrespectful to you. Please know that is not what I am intending to do, but I was hoping I can have the baby's middle name be Dimitri." I braced for the impact that never came.
I heard him suddenly take in a gulp of air. I did it; I pushed too far, I've hurt him. I bowed my head; feeling so disappointed in myself. I truly knew no boundaries.
Finally he spoke with his voice slightly quivering. "Before I answer. What last name are you planning on giving the baby?" At this point, he had pulled the car off the side of the road; turning to me, waiting for my
answer, expectantly.
I cleared my throat and slightly lifted my head, looking him in the eyes. "I was hoping since we are getting married that you would want him to have your last name. I didn't think it was right for me to assume you would
want to give him. Or even if it was permissible. But, whatever you want." I searched his eyes begging him to understand.
He grinned. "He is my son. So , he will have my last name. And yeah, you're right. Since Dimitri isn't here to raise him and I get to give him his last name; it would only fair to his biological father to have a place somewhere.
If anyone ask; we will just tell them that Dimitri was important to you, as your instructor, of course." He added a smile as he said the last words.
"What did I ever do to deserve you?" I gazed at him lovingly; no words I've spoken before have been more truthful.
His chest slightly shook as he chuckled. "Lucky…I guess."
I brought our entwined hands to my lips and kissed his gently. " I truly am."
We finally arrived back at Court; I was never so happy to see this place. Instinctively, I closed my eyes focusing on Lissa and I felt her emotions. She was happy and excited; she was up to something. Adrian had
gotten our bags and we headed towards our apartment. We opened the door; And Lissa was standing in the middle of our living room; waiting for me. She crashed into my arms, holding on to me tightly.
"I am so glad the both of you are okay. I was so worried about you. Are you feeling okay?" In traditional Lissa style; she was bombarding me with twenty questions.
I laughed at her expression. "Yes, we are fine. I am better now that I am home. I never thought the day would come that I would say I missed being at Court." I said while rolling my eyes.
Adrian sat down the luggage and turned to us. "Rose, I am going to give you girls a chance to catch up. I have to go take care of some things at work." I felt my expression instantly freeze.
He walked over to me, placing me in his arms. "Don't worry I will be back soon. And just to let you know, Caitlin took a couple weeks off. She knew the wrath of Adrian was coming, so she decided to leave for a while."
He gentled brushed my lips with his and walked out the door.
I felt it before she even ask the question. "What did Caitlin do..now?" She stood there with her hands on her hips; trying to look intimidating, it will never happen.
I smile at her; the idea of Lissa wanting to defend me was sweet. "She called me while we were at Adrian's parents'; basically the same shit. Threats..blah..blah…I will get rid of you and your bastard child…blah..blah…Until
I have this baby and kick her ass. Oh! and I threatened her life in return."
Lissa's face drained of all color. "ROSE! You shouldn't have done that…You know what she can do to you if she wants too! I wouldn't put it past her. What
were you thinking?"
I took a deep breath and gave Lissa the 'think about it' look. "Liss, You know damn well I am not going to stop when someone pisses me off and think about it. It's not going to happen. She will get dealt
with in due time."
Lissa just stared at me wide-eyed; while her temporary guardian Sergei gave me the oddest glare. "So, tell me everything that happened with Adrian's family . Did you like them? Did they like you?"
"Calm down with the twenty questions, girl." I laughed at her expression. "Yeah…I liked his mother and two sisters right away. They were very sweet and welcomed me; which came as a surprise."
"Rose, you don't give yourself enough credit; you're very lovable." We locked eyes and burst out laughing at the same time.
"Oh yeah Liss, I'm really lovable." Both laughing again.
She stops laughing and grabs my arm. "Adrian has three sisters. And what about his dad?" I rolled my eyes at the thought of that man. "He hates me…Did you really expect anything else and his sister, Elizabeth was really rude at first;
siding with Caitlin, saying horrid things about me, but she came around."
Lissa scrunched her features; making a look of disgust. "Those Bitches." (haha)
I couldn't hold it in any longer as I laughed hysterically. "I missed you, Lissa." We laughed and talked about everything until the conversation had to turn to something more serious. Lissa had ask her Guardian to leave the room.
He was reluctant at first, but he knew he had no choice. I guided Lissa in my bedroom and shut the door. I told her about wanting to tell Olena the truth about the baby. She agreed that it was a good idea.
"I am afraid to call her. I need you to stay here beside me for support." I gave her a small smile. Lissa grabbed my hand and clutched it gently. "I am always here for you; just like you are always here for me. Let's call her."
She picked up the phone and handed it to me. I took a deep, cleansing breath and hung up the receiver again. I was so scared to make this phone call. I wasn't afraid to tell her about the baby; that was happy news. I was afraid
of hurting her even more than she already is; Dimitri meant everything to her. I looked at Lissa and she gave me a small nod; encouraging me to make the call. I had to do this. I closed my eyes; picturing Dimitri in front of me,
smiling, giving me the strength I needed. He would want me to tell his family. It would bring them some joy to have a piece of him back. I picked up the phone and dialed the number for the third time.
After the second ring; someone answered the line. "Privet?" I was pretty sure it was Olena, Dimitri's mother.
I cleared my throat. "Umm..Hello, Is this Olena Belikov? My voice quivering with nervousness.
In her cheerful, motherly voice. I closed my eyes; feeling the tears wanting to escape them. "Yes, it is. May I ask who this is I'm speaking with?" Her words laced with a thick russian accent.
"Olena. This is Rose Hathaway." I felt a small sob escape my chest as Lissa gave me a gentle squeeze.
"Roza! How are you dorogaya moya?(my dear). She ask; her voice filled with happiness.
My heart shattered into a million little pieces when she spoke my name in Russian. It was like he was here speaking to me. But, I knew I'd never hear his beautiful voice again. I choked back the tears as I answered her.
"I am as well as to be expected. How is the rest of the family? I've missed you all so much." I was trying to sound as brave as possible, but I knew I was failing miserably.
"We have missed you also. Yeva had said you would be calling with news. News that would change our lives for the better. How wonderful that would be; my life hasn't been the same since I lost my beloved son. I doubt it will
ever be wonderful again." Her voice shaking with emotions.
I let out a soft cry; begging her to understand my feelings. " I am so sorry for what I've done to you and to….Dimitri. I loved him so much. I never wanted to hurt him. A part of my soul died with him that day." My voice fading
to only a mere whisper.
"I know that Roza. You had freed his soul. I …we owe you so much; we could never show you enough gratitude for what you did. Your actions has shown everyone how much he meant to you. Dimitri was gone the moment that
Strigoi decided to change him. He would have never wanted that life for himself or for anyone he loved. I am so grateful that the two of you found each other. It was fated. You saved him in every way imaginable. For the first time
in my son's existence; he was truly happy, no walls, no boundaries. He came alive and was in love for the first time in his life. How could I ever blame you? I thank you; Thank you for loving him, for everything. His heart was yours
the moment he laid eyes on you. He will forever be a part of you." She was softly crying as she spoke.
I whispered to her; hoping she can hear me. I didn't know if I had the strength to go on. "Olena…That is why I am calling you. I do have a part of him with me. A part we can all cherish and love as he grows and fills our hearts
with joy; as each day passes by."
Her accent was heavy with emotions. "What do you mean Rose?"
"I am 7 months pregnant with Dimitri's son. I became pregnant when I was with him in Russia." I finally allowed myself to take a breath.
"When he was a Strigoi? Is the baby okay?" She inquired nervously.
I smiled at the thought of our son. "Yes, He's perfect. I have been having some minor complications, but I've been resting and following the Dr's instructions."
The line had become perfectly silent; afraid we may have been disconnected. "Olena?" I ask.
I then heard her heaving sobs on the other end of the line; as if a flood gate of emotions that were bottled up, broke free. "Roza….Our Dimitri is getting a son? Oh Goodness..He's always wanted a child and the love of his life is
giving one to him. But," Her voice broke again. "Only he's not here to raise him" She sobbed harder into the phone.
I knew this was going to happen to the both of us; too much hurt, too much emotion. "I am sorry. I didn't want to upset you. I just wanted you to know about the baby."
I could tell she was trying to gather her composure. "Of course. I definitely wanted to know about him. How is it possible to have your heart filled with so much love and have it breaking at the same time?" She begged for an answer.
I couldn't give her one. "I know exactly how you feel. I live with those same emotions everyday." I needed to make her aware of everything going on in my life and my future plans where the baby was involved.
"I also needed to tell you that I am engaged to marry Lord Adrian Ivashkov." I held my breath waiting for her response. She said nothing. I continued. "We were going to name the baby's middle name Dimitri. We thought it best to not
give him the Belikov last name. I felt with the way he was conceived; there would be too many questions, maybe wanting to test him, and the possibility of being scrutinized because his father was Strigoi during conception. I would
never want that for him and I am quite sure Dimitri would feel the same way." I waited for her reply.
"Absolutely… I only want whats best for him. Lord Ivashkov is claiming him to be his child, I assume?" She ask; with a hint of sadness evident.
"Yes, Olena..I don't mean to offend you. It's only for his best interest. Please understand." I pleaded for her acceptance.
I heard the smile in her voice. "I do understand completely, my dearest Roza. Will I get to meet my grandson when he is born?"
"I want that more than anything in the world. After he is born and able to fly; I will bring him to visit, I promise. I will mail you a sonogram picture and some other items to keep you involved." Thinking to myself; I am glad it's
all working out.
"Thank you for calling me….. for everything. I love you, Roza. Please keep me in touch." I heard the receiver hang up on her end of the line.
I turned to look at Lissa. I felt all her emotions overwhelming me. I had so much to deal with; so many emotions of my own. She sensed what I was feeling and pulled me into a tight embrace. "Are you okay?" She whispered into
my hair. I just nodded my head slowly; not trusting to open my mouth because if I did, I don't think the sobs would ever stop.
It was then I heard Adrian as he rushed beside me; looking at Lissa for an answer. "What's the matter, Sweetheart?" He pulled me from Lissa's arm and cradled me in his lap. Knowing that I didn't really want to talk about it at the moment;
Lissa answered for me. "She had just got done talking to Olena Belikov."
I felt Adrian's head turn at Liss. "How did Ms. Belikov take it?"
I finally found my voice; hoping it wouldn't betray me. " She was happy…about everything. But, still her heart is broken. Like she ask me, How can your heart be filled with so much love and be broken at the same time?"
Adrian stared into my eyes; he loved me so much and when I hurt, he did too! His fingers grazed from my cheek, down my jaw, and resting on my chin. "I am so sorry that you're hurting. It will get better I promise. Happy times have to
be in store for us. What else can go wrong? Right? We are having a baby in a couple months and then we have a wedding to plan. So, let's look forward to the joyful things in our life. You can't have all this stress, babe. You really should
try to get some rest." He said as he kissed my forehead.
OLENA'S POV
I am usually a relatively calm person, but not today. After I hung up the phone from Roza, I could no longer control my emotions. I had been holding one of Dimitri's favorite books when she had called. I threw it against the wall as I screamed;
I screamed at God, I screamed at myself, and I just screamed for someone to hear my pain. My son, My beautiful son who was taken from me, from us. And now he is getting a son. A son who will never know how truly wonderful his father was.
I feel to my knees, sobbing.
"Momma!" Viktoria ran into the room; kneeling beside me trying to give me comfort. The problem was that nothing could bring me comfort. I rose off of the floor, with Viktoria's help and sat on our couch. "What happened Momma?" Her eyes
filled with worry.
I patted her knee to reassure her I was fine. "Please get your sisters and grandmother. I have something I need to share with you."
Within minutes; the Belikov women stood before Olena, waiting for what needed to be said. "I had just spoke with Dimitri's Roza and I think we all need to sit down." Everyone's eyes were filled with apprehension; except Yeva, she was smiling,
expectant. "Roza is 7 months pregnant with Dimitri's son." The stillness in the room was eerie, considering our family. No questions were ask or no sounds were made, other than the soft sobs that escaped our chests as we pulled together in a
comforting embrace. Out of our pain was born a miracle.
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