Hey guys. I hope you noticed that the previous chapter didn't leave you in a cliff hanger. But I'm sad to inform you that this one might. Ok maybe I'm not so sad lol. Let's see what's in store for Rose next. Leave me a review and tell me what you think lovely people.

"I didn't go anywhere." One pm. Holey crap, how long was I asleep.

"Rose." My dad warned.

"Ibraham." My mother interrupted. "I told you I checked in on her at night, didn't I. She was there in her room."

My dad turned to my mom. "And you're sure she was there the whole time."

"Well, I don't know if she was there the whole time. But when I checked on her she was meditating or something. She didn't even hear me when I called her."

"Yes, you mentioned that." My father turned towards me. "So were you just pretending you couldn't hear your mother, Rose? And what's with this meditation, you haven't done that before. Have you been doing drugs?"

"What? No, I was in my room the whole time. And can I please get something to eat, I'm starving." I hadn't eaten since yesterday during lunch. That was a full twenty four hours ago.

"You wouldn't happen to have the munchies." My dad asked suspiciously.

"Enough! I am not doing drugs okay, Pappy."

My dad was going to say something else but my mom cut him off.

"Here, Rose, why don't I serve you lunch. I made spaghetti." She got up and went to the stove, where a boiling pot of spaghetti sat.

"Yeah, serve her lunch." My dad said from the table. "Since she apparently missed breakfast." He mumbled.

"Ibraham!"

"Sorry." He said, quietly.

"Here you go, Rose." My mother said, passing me the plate of spaghetti.

"Thanks." I sat down in my usual seat, close to my father, but he still refused to speak to me. Instead he busied himself with his own food.

"Pappy." I pouted once he finished his food. "Don't you love me anymore?"

"Don't you do that." He told me. "Don't you play that card with me."

"Pappy, why won't you believe me."

My mother looked in amusement at both of us from the other side of the table, but otherwise said nothing.

My dad turned to look at me, his face was resigned. "Rose, I love you to death. Don't you forget that. It's just that you've always gotten up early. The only one who's ever gotten up this late was Mia. And she only did that when she snuck out."

"Pa, am I Mia." I raised my eyebrows at him. "You think I have invitations to go party it up with people."

"You don't need countless of people to party it up. Frankly, I'm more concerned about a party of two than a party of a hundred." He looked at me meaningfully till I got it. Did my dad just warn me about sex?

"Ibraham!" My mother cut him a look.

"Fine, fine. Apparently I can't talk anymore. The boss is forbidding me." He stood up and kissed me on the forehead. "I'm going to the living room since I'm not wanted in the kitchen." He said playfully to my mom before walking out.

My mother shook her head. "That man is going to be the death of me." Her eyes turned curiously in my direction. "Were you really up in your room all night, Rose?" She asked me timidly.

I exhaled, frustrated. "Yes, mom. I was really up in my room all night."

She looked at me sheepishly. "Sorry, I had to ask, you know. Maternal instincts can't be turned off." She shrugged. "I was worried that you went out. You know, with that girl's murderer still on the loose. But you're a good girl, right, Rose."

I ate the last bit of spaghetti from my plate before I answered. "Yes, mom. I'm still a good girl."

"Good."

I got up and placed my plate on the sink. Taking a quick breath I left the sink and headed toward the door. My mom gave my arm an encouraging squeeze when I passed by her, before I left the kitchen.

I walked through the living room and plopped down next to Mia on the lime green love seat. Mia glanced once in my direction, but otherwise didn't acknowledge my presence as she watched the reality show on TV. I glued my eyes to the TV screen but my mind wasn't on the show. It was elsewhere.

I thought about the murders. They were all seers. Every single one of them were killed by a heartless demon. But where were their guides, I thought.

Weren't the guides supposed to protect them? It didn't seem like they were doing a good job if seers were dying. I thought of Samantha, her sweet baby face so frightened as her life ended. Where the hell was her guide when she died?

I felt the blood boil under my skin. Why the hell were we even issued guides if they weren't doing their jobs? They were useless.

I stood up abruptly, startling Mia, but I didn't pay attention to her. I needed to vent my anger somehow. I needed to scream it out.

I walked away from the couch and ran up the stairs. My parents door was slightly ajar as I passed by it. I managed to see my dad sitting in his recliner reading the newspaper. I only saw him for a second while I passed his room and headed for mine.

Inside, I went to my bedside table and got the silver cell phone. I placed it on top of it. I scrolled through my short list of contacts before I found the one I wanted and dialed.

He would have to pick up, I chanted. He needed to pick up. He was the only person I could ask questions to. The only person who was able to answer them without looking at me like if I was crazy.

When the phone stopped ringing and operator answered. "The number you are dialing has been disconnected—"

That was all I heard before I clicked. He really did it. He really left. Dimitri was really gone. But he couldn't. I made a brash decision and quickly changed into some sweat pants and a clean t-shirt. There was only one other person I knew Dimitri talked too. It was the only time I had seen him mildly civilized with a person—other than the time he came over to meet my parents.

I didn't know if she knew anything, but it was worth a shot. After all, Dimitri, did say that he went there often.

Rachel might have seen him, if not today then yesterday. I was going to have to visit her at the diner.

The diner was fuller than it was the first time I came here with Dimitri. Probably because it was Saturdays, and for some reasons people ate out on Saturdays instead of cooking. As soon as I went inside, I noticed three couples waiting on the cushioned bench which marked the waiting area. I craned my neck, and stood on my tippy toes, looking for Rachel, but to no avail. I couldn't spot her.

I saw many other waitresses, carrying their burden of plates on their arms. Dashing between aisles of tables. But none of them was the red head I was looking for. I walked up to the hostess. It was a woman around my height who looked to be in her late twenties. She had unnatural platinum blond hair that fell below her shoulders.

I made sure to keep my eyes on her podium instead of on her when I approached her.

"Excuse me. Do you know if Rachel is working today?"

"Rachel, she's on her break right now." I couldn't see her face but her voice sounded slightly annoyed.

"Do you know when she'll be back?" I asked timidly.

She exhaled roughly. "She should be coming back soon. Now look, are you going to want a seat or not. I'm not your informant, either I put your name down for a seat, or you get out."

I was almost tempted to lift my face up and glare at her. To see her frightened face would have been worth it at this point. But instead I took a deep breath, and put my name down for a seat.

I sat close to a couple who were so consumed with sucking lip, they didn't even notice me staring at them. And I wasn't staring at them because I got a kick out of seeing them practically do soft porn in public. It was the act of kissing that had me mesmerized. They were so close to each other. Theirs bodies almost intertwined while their lips furiously dominated each other. There was something about the act that seemed so intimate, so private, that I felt guilty for gawking at them.

When they were called to their table, I almost missed them. Well not them, just the act of what they were doing. I almost wanted to ask them what the secret was. How do you get so close to someone, trust them so completely with your body? What have they ever showed you to trust them to that magnitude.

Though it would probably be strange to ask two perfect strangers that. Not to mention they would have found out I was staring at them like some creep.

I tapped my foot against the tile floor and leaned back against the bench. Twenty minutes slowly ticked by until I was called for a table.

A waitress waved me over and I started to follow her, but something stopped me. Right at that moment the sound of a door opening reached my ears. And in came the woman I was waiting for. I stopped right in the middle of the aisle just to stare at her. She still looked beautiful with her long flowing red hair waving down her back. Her creamy skin looked painted on, and her light rosy cheeks gave her whole face color. I had almost forgotten how beautiful she was. That is until she looked towards my direction and her whole face paled.

She stepped forward hesitantly, without taking her eyes off of me. I guess I should have expected this. We didn't exactly end on good terms the first time. I think I really scared her.

"Miss." The waitress who was leading me to the table called from behind me. She beckoned me to keep following her.

"I'm coming." I said automatically.

Instead of taking the steps to my table, I walked towards Rachel. She froze as I got close. I smiled pleasantly, to show her I didn't mean any harm, but it didn't seem to work. She still looked at me like I was hell incarnate.

I stopped when I was right in front of her. I took the fact that she didn't run away from me as a good sign.

"Rachel." I smiled again. "I'm not going to do anything to you. I just wanted to ask you a question. I could do it right here if you want."

"Miss" The other waitress called from behind. "Your table, miss. There are other people waiting to be seated. If you don't sit down soon we'll have to give it to another person."

I waved her off and settled my concentration on Rachel. She flinched. "Can I please ask you one question?"

She slowly nodded her head.

"Excellent." I smiled friendlily. The next words out of my mouth tumbled out in a rush. "Did you happened to see Dimitri these last couple of days?" Please say yes.

She shook her head no. "Th-the last time I saw him was when he came with you." Rachel replied nervously. Her eyes darted around the diner before they settled back on me. "Except, there was Thursday."

"Thursday?"

"Yes, no wait, yes on Thursday. So two days ago, I saw him walk in at his usual time." She said nervously. "But he wasn't alone. It was strange. The only time I saw him with someone was when he brought you."

I could barely contain my curiosity. "With whom did you see him?"

"It was a guy. He was tall, pale skin; had messy black hair and icy blue eyes." She ticked off.

Messy black hair, pale.It couldn't be. "Did he happen to have a long black coat that looked like it might have belonged to Dracula?" I asked.

I saw the recognition in her eyes. "Yeah, he did actually."

I couldn't breathe for a second. It took a while for my breath to return. "Do you know what they talked about?" I asked breathlessly.

She shook her head. "No, but it didn't look like a very pleasant meeting. Dimitri looked angry, and he didn't even wait for the food. He stormed out of here, leaving the dark haired guy behind."

"He did." I said, surprised. Dimitri and Christian had an argument. And apparently Dimitri didn't like something Christian was doing. What would cause Dimitri to be angry at Christian? The only reason I could think of was Eddie.

I quickly thanked Rachel and turned away.

I kept thinking, Dimitri was here with Christian. They were here right after I last saw Dimitri. I needed my questions answered now more than ever. But I didn't have anyone to ask them to.

I walked dejectedly out of the diner. I slouched as I walked forward. My whole frame shaking from the sheer force of Dimitri's abandonment.

He said he would teach me. Instead he left me when I needed him the most. What was I going to do about Mia? Her voice in my vision send chills down my spine. She was in danger, and I needed to protect her.

What was I going to do about Eddie? He was going to try to harm Mia, I was sure of it. And what about the demon—who I still don't know much about. How could Dimitri leave me with all these questions roaming in my head? And why did he talk to Christian? They've never talked to each other.

Christian had been talking to an awful lot of people lately. People he's never uttered a word to before.

I quickly got into my car and drove away, leaving the diner behind me.

I stayed in my room the rest of the day. I had my legs crossed in the meditation pose. My eyes were closed and I kept whispering Eddie's name over and over, hoping that would give me a glimpse into what he was planning. It didn't work. All I saw were the back of my eyelids. I saw the red in them slowly fade to darkness, signaling the lowering sun.

Frustrated I jumped up and stretched my muscles. They were stiff from the position I put them in.

I wasn't getting any better at this seeing thing. I couldn't summon them at will like I was supposed to be able to do.

I paced back and forth in my room and rubbed my temple. I was getting a head ache. The only plan that formed in my head was to talk to Christian. But I couldn't. He was working with Eddie. And as hard as it was for me to say it, Christian was my enemy now. I couldn't fraternize with him. But I also couldn't let him know that anything was wrong. I figured I would have to act like nothing was wrong in front of Christian. Any suspicious behavior on my part and Christian could easily tell Eddie.

But how could I fool the person who knew me better than anyone?

I guess I just had to wing it. Do this my way. No plan, just some serious Mia stalking. I would have to inconspicuously act like her shadow from now on. And practice big time with this seeing thing. As well as fool Christian that everything was alright so that Eddie won't know I'm onto him.

No big deal, right. Except that I officially hate my life now.

Sweat stained my body as I awoke in the middle of the night. Another murder streak invaded my dreams.

There were so many demons, and so many seers being killed by them. The demons seemed so powerful, it didn't seem like we seer's had a chance.

I kicked the blankets off of me and jumped out of bed. The room was dark; I suddenly felt uncomfortable being in a dark room alone.

The chills from the recent dream had me running for my door. I needed company. I needed to slip in bed with someone.

I tip toed out of my room and made my way to Mia's room. I climbed in under the covers and felt my fear ease away when I felt her warm body against mine.

When I went back to sleep I didn't dream of demons and murder. Mia was like a balm to me. I fell into a normal dream, one that's fuzzy and you hardly remember what it was about when you wake up. But you knew it was a harmless dream because you didn't have the jitters of a fresh nightmare.

The next week flew by fast. As soon as we went back to school I kept close to Mia and for once she didn't say anything about it. It was like she wanted me around. She even sat next to me in our first period. The first day she did it came as a big shock to everyone. But once the days passed on everyone seemed to accept the fact that Mia had claimed that seat for herself. It wasn't news worthy after that first day. And Mia sitting next to me meant that creepy Eddie couldn't.

But something changed about creepy Eddie. He seemed to have turned back into the old Eddie from before. He wouldn't look our way; he didn't bother Mia and me. He didn't even as much as say a word to us or show any sign of recognition. He just did his work, packed up when the bell rang and left quietly.

Something about that quietness didn't sit well with me. I disliked it more than his creepy attitude. At least when he was talking to me I knew there was something. Now I was completely out of the loop.

My week with Christian was worse. To an outsider everything would seem normal. We sat in our usual table and talked about random things but everything was completely wrong. It was the trust, I realized. The trust was no longer there buzzing between us like electricity. Our conversations were hollow because we were both purposely leaving out important details of our life.

Besides Christian and I think exactly alike. Just like I was playing him for a fool by pretending that everything was alright he was doing the same to me. We were both playing each other. The phrase, keep your friends close and your enemies closer danced in my head. It seemed fit where Christian and I were concerned.

Also weird, Lissa and Christian weren't talking anymore. At least as far as I could see. She sat in her usual table far from ours and didn't glance our way. Same for Christian. I didn't buy it. It was like if they were being too careful to act like if nothing was going on between them.

Christian and I didn't mention Lissa, demons or the book. I think we both noticed that we were avoiding the topics but neither of us said anything.

On Friday Christian reminded me of something I had completely forgotten about. We were eating lunch when he brought it up. I nearly choked on my food and cursed myself for forgetting.

"So everyone's going to the party today, right. I mean everyone but us of course." Christian's lips curved up in a secret smile. It was one we shared whenever a party came because we both knew there was a strict no freaks allowed.

"The party." I said, shocked. How could I forget about the party? Mia kept talking about it nonstop last week. Of course she was going to go. And what was I going to do. Wait at home and pray that Eddie didn't dig his disgusting fingernails into her.

"Yes, Rose, the party. Or did you forget that that's what everyone's been talking about. Aside from Natalie's murder of course." Christian bowed his head slightly to show his respect. The act almost made me smile. You could always count on Christian to be respectful to the dead. Too bad he was a backstabber.

"Oh shit." I knew what I had to do. This party was about to have an unwanted freak in its mist.

It was bad enough that I still couldn't get the visions to come at will. Maybe if I could I would be able to keep Mia safe without having to stalk her, but for now being with her constantly would have to do.

I caught up to Mia after lunch and told her about my plans to go with her to the party.

"Let me see if I heard correctly. You want to come with me to the party."

I nodded.

"You, Rose, want to come with me Mia to a party that most of the school will attend. Do I have that correct?"

"Yes." I exhaled annoyed.

"And why would that be." She asked me skeptically.

"I don't know. Guess I just want to see if the grass is greener on the other side, so to speak."

"So you just want to come to a party to experience it, right."

"Yes."

"Well, why didn't you tell me before? Of course you could come Ro Ro."

I winced.

"And we're going to have so much fun. Now I have a designated driver so bring on the beer pong."

Of course, I've been bumped from freak to designated driver, but I was ok with that. I wasn't planning on drinking. Not when I needed to keep my eye on Mia.

"Oh and guess what. I have the perfect dress you could wear. It was a little big on me so you could totally have it. And I could do your hair and make-up. You're going to look so good, trust me." She smiled showing me her milky white teeth. But nothing about her smile was comforting. I knew she was going to sneak the makeover on me. Some things never change. Only this time I was going to let her. Have to fit in with the cool people somehow.

The rest of the day passed quickly and by the time school was over I was more nervous about the party than ever. For the first time I was going to be alone with the cool people. And I was actually going to try to fit in. Maybe even make small talk. The thought alone was making me nauseous. What were they going to say when I arrived?

Arriving with Mia was sure to grant me an entrance but the scrutiny I would receive was inevitable.

I went inside the car and nearly shook it with my nervous jitters. I couldn't control them.

Mia approached the car and I was ready to tell her that I was ill and not able to go to the party. That was until I saw her.

She came into the car looking nauseous. Her creamy skin held a tint of green. Immediately I was alarmed.

"Mia, what the hell is a matter with you?" I noticed a light shade of sweat covering her forehead.

She clutched the steering wheel tightly but she made no move to turn on the car. "Oh, Rose, it was awful, you should have seen it. It was just lying there dying, all wounded and defenseless." She shook her head, trying to erase the images.

"What? What was dying?" I had never seen Mia so distraught. I was starting to panic.

"The bird, Rose, the bird. It died right in front of me." I knew it was awful but I couldn't help but feel relieved. When she mentioned death I was imagining a person dying in front of Mia. The person clutching on Mia's shirt before giving their last breath. Now, I felt slightly better.

"So, you saw a bird die." I replied more calmly.

"Yes. And it was horrible. My friends and I were just walking out of school when we saw it." Her face held the traces of compassion that were buried deep within her; funny how a bird would be the one to bring them out of hiding.

"You should have seen it Rose, it was this beautiful white something must have pierced it because blood was running down its middle. The beautiful white feathers stained crimson red in less than a minute. And his wings, they gave desperate flaps before they became still. Oh it was just awful, Rose." She sniffled. Real tears glimmering behind her sea blue eyes.

"Are you going to cry?" I squeaked in shock. Mia was very much like me in the sense that neither one of us were criers. Sure there was a temper tantrum here and there but never something that lead to tears.

"I'm not going to cry." Her voice was a bit scratchy. "It was just very sad. And then that bitch Lissa came up and grabbed the bird like if it was nothing."

"Lissa grabbed a bird?" Mia nodded weakly. "A dead bird. " I asked disbelievingly. "Are we talking about the same Lissa, or is there another Lissa I don't know about."

"Unless you know of another blond bimbo, who wears tons of make-up and looks like she's made of wax." Nope, that was the same Lissa, alright.

I broke into a wide grin. "You know what Mia. I think you and I are going to get along just fine."

We turned to look at each other and when hazel met blue we both busted out laughing.

"I guess this means your crying fit is over." I said once we calmed down.

"I wasn't going to cry."

"Sure you weren't." I laughed again, but my mind wandered somewhere else. White dove? Why did that sound familiar?

And suddenly it clicked. Dimitri mentioned it. He said the day I find a white dove pierced through the heart was the day I should fear for my life.

I know, I know. Dimitri is still MIA. Hmm should I bring him back to the story? And what's up with Lissa? Toon in next time and find out.