RPOV
I grabbed Dimitri's arms as they rose. He froze. His muscles stiff and his breathing hard. I looked down at the bloodied mess—it didn't even look like it was even alive. Blood was everywhere; I felt sick to my stomach. I trembled. I had never seen Dimitri snap like that. His hands were covered in blood, I only hoped he didn't have any on him. Shakily, I got in front of Dimitri, wincing at the sight of Alexander's horribly mutilated body.
Dimitri's eyes were wide. The usual beautiful brown color had changed to a nearly black, deadly color. His face was twisted into anger and hatred. I could faintly hear the Moroi, dhampirs and humans shift uncomfortably and anxiously behind us.
"A-Are you okay?" My voice trembled as I asked the question. Dimitri looked at me and I flinched. The Dimitri I knew was sweet and generous and a total gentleman. What happened? Dimitri continued looking at me; I shrunk back under his gaze, terrified. I felt my eyes water. My hands absently went to my stomach. When he seemed to realized that I was frightened, his gaze shifted. He went from pure anger to shock and confusion. He reached for me with one bloodied hand, I stepped away.
"Roza—" he started. I looked at him—his shirt was covered in blood, flecks of blood were on his face. Dimitri's pants were stained with blood. When he noticed the fear written on my face, his eyes widened and he dropped his hand. We just looked at each other. I didn't know whether to be relieved my old Dimitri was back or still frightened that the darker one would resurface.
I heard cries from upstairs and footsteps coming from behind us.
My mind wasn't all there, so I can't say I remember everything that happened.
DPOV
It's been a few days since Roza's rescue. She's been staying away from me. What that Strigoi said infuriated me, and Roza had been scared out of her mind by what she saw. The baby bump is getting more and more noticeable. Rumors were starting, saying Roza had a fling with a Moroi student and got pregnant. She's been looking exhausted. Dark circles were under her bloodshot eyes. Her silky smooth hair looked almost stringy. Her once tanned skin paled.
"What's up with Hathaway?" Alberta muttered. "She honestly isn't taking the rumors seriously, is she? I mean she's pregnant but—"
"I don't think it's the rumors," I said. It was lunchtime, and Alberta and I had just walked by the cafeteria. Roza was sitting with her friends, eating her food quietly and sheepishly. "Roza can handle a lot of things"—I paused at that part—"but she can handle rumors."
Alberta gave me a weird look. "If you say so, Belikov. Did Hathaway ever tell you who the baby's father is?" I shook my head quickly, almost too quickly. If Alberta found out about Roza and I being intimate, she'd find a way to get me fired for sure. And she'd tell Kirova, who would gladly take away Roza's guardian rights. Alberta just grunted in response.
We lapsed into a long quiet.
RPOV
I've been avoiding Dimitri. It's not that I don't love his company, cause I do, it's just after the whole Strigoi incident I'm uncomfortable being around him. I can tell it's hurting him, but I need some time to focus and get myself back on track. Since everyone found out I was pregnant, they've been spreading nasty rumors about me. Saying the baby's father is Adrian or Ralph or Jesse. Most of the Moroi would call me a blood whore, some of the other dhampirs—the ones I wasn't friends with—would call me a slut.
I have sex with one man, get pregnant by him, and suddenly I'm a blood whore and a slut. Lissa's been trying to make me feel better, but I've been sort of avoiding her too. Her attempts to make me happy and joyful just made me feel more down. I could easily ignore the petty rumors people said about me, it's just I didn't like having so many complications in my life.
I've been going to weekly check ups at the infirmary, and after finding out the baby didn't die, I've been extra protective of my stomach. The nurses who would do my ultrasounds would say the baby's growing fine and I should keep taking my prenatal vitamins and be careful on what I'm doing. The nurses and Dr. Olendski, who would visit from time to time, would comment on how well the baby's heartbeat sounded. Strong and lively.
Dimitri knew that I needed space and wouldn't come to the ultrasounds. But I'd ask for pictures and I'd slip them through Dimitri's door. Secretly, of course. I'd leave little notes, too.
I'd go back to Dimitri when I was ready, but right now, I'm far from being ready.
DPOV
After a week, I noticed a little change in Roza. It seemed she was getting more sleep. Her eyes weren't so bloodshot and the bags under her eyes seemed to be going away. She seemed a little happier, but not like before. I'd notice she would glance up at me and give shy smiles. In my room, I had every ultrasound picture she gave me. The baby was growing beautifully. Though it's my first child, I could tell it was going to be healthy. I just hoped it was a girl. She'd be strong and beautiful like her mother.
Once I had finished a shift, I went back to my room and looked through all of the ultrasound pictures. The baby looked so beautiful, so peaceful. I would have to call my family and tell them the news, but something in the back of my mind told me not to. Not yet.
There was something about to happen, later rather than sooner, that I didn't want them being involved in.
QUICKY A/N: ON A RATING OF 1-10, HOW WAS THIS CH.? I'M SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG FOR ME TO UPLOAD THIS CH. I'VE BEEN BUSY THIS WEEK. ANYWAY, HERE'S THIS CH. AND I HOPE IT'S GOOD ENOUGH.
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YOURS TRULY,
~SMITHY