Hi guys! sorry about the slow update, I was struggling with how I wanted to this chapter to be and I didn't want to post just for the sake of it, so I wanted to make sure I was happy with it first!
This is the second to last chapter, this story is coming to an end I'm afraid. I've really enjoyed myself I hope you guys have too.
Now, Enjoy!
Rose
You know when you're truly dreading something, you think of every detail of the up coming scenario, thinking that it's going to be that horrible that hopefully it won't be as bad as you were thinking?
That was not me right now.
I had faith that it wouldn't be that bad but it was, but I understood why it was. But no one likes to be chewed out by their parents, no matter what age.
Mum had been going off on me again for another hour now, calling my decision every version of stupidity that her dictionary could muster. It went along the lines of,
"You count yourself lucky I am no longer you legal guardian Rosemarie Hathaway, If I had the power you'd do time just to realise how incredibly fucking stupid you've been. Do you realise what could have happened? I swear to god that I could strangle you with my bare hands only to bring you back again so you could understand the consequences of you actions"
Some of it didn't really make sense, but she always started to speak in riddles when she was ranting. There was also a lot of "I thought I raised you better than this?"
Nothing is worse than someone being disappointed in you. But I didn't blame her, not at all.
They picked me up from the hospital yesterday around lunch time, we had spent several hours at the station as they needed my testimony on what exactly had happened. I had spoken to the police briefly at the hospital, but due to the fact that I had been asleep or completely out of it Olena had agreed on my parents behalf that as soon as I was released I would go down to the police station straight away. It was a usually circumstance but they had agreed. Olena can be very persuasive.
I could feel my parents eyes on me as I went over each and every motion a few nights ago and answered each and every question they threw my way. I had a feeling my father wanted to say something several times but he had held it in to my surprise. He was probably saving his anger for me later.
We had gone home after a few hours, I was absolutely knackered, knowing my mum wanted to chew me out straight away I had tried to prepare myself. She didn't hold back. I hadn't had much to say, so I took it in silence. I was still on some pretty strong meds to keep the pain to a low level, but they made me very drowsy. I had promised her that she could have another round at me when I woke up, which to my surprise, was the next morning. I hadn't had a full nights sleep in a while, I had almost gotten use to waking up every two to three hours.
Dad had gone out early that morning, to do what I do not know, but mum said he was out trying to find out exactly what the police was planning and if I was going to get a jail sentence. It was a serious matter and I know that if I had ever been in a car crash due to someone else drunk driving I would have definitely wanted them to go to prison. So I was awaiting my punishment as my father had called to say he was on his way home.
So here I am now, at the dinner table holding my cuppa close as my mother was having another go at me for being 'the most irresponsible, stupid and reckless twenty four year old she had even met'. She had called me worse things, but that was deinfitely a line she kept coming back to.
Pacing the kitchen she wouldn't sit down no matter how many times I asked her to. Sighing, I ran a hand through my hair. I had given her some more details this morning about what had happened. Everything from what had gone down between Lissa and I and some more between Dimitri and I. She of course thought at first that I was exaggerating, which I get because it sounds like such teenage drama when I'm retelling my story. But it's easy to say that when you're not living in the hell that I created for myself. It doesn't matter how old you are, you can still act like a thirteen year old whether you want to or not.
Of course, in my mother's eyes, the Belikov's had been amazing. Olena truly had, as well as Karolina and Sonya, they had all been very helpful. To my mother Dimitri normally couldn't do no wrong, even I was surprised to hear her curse him several times as she found out what had gone down between us. She'd even said she would speak to him herself, I clearly tried to stop her but there wasn't much stopping her once she had an idea. Much like me.
Remembering that my father would soon be judging us, I didn't really know what to expect from this whole situation. Dimitri had told me that there as definitely a possibility I could serve some time since drunk driving is a serious crime. I was ready to serve whatever was needed because I know that what I did was wrong, I can't hide behind anything. I made my bed so I was prepared to lie in it. God I sound like Dimitri when he goes all Zen on me every now and again.
I hadn't spoken much to Dimitri since I came home, we texted a few times. He kept checking in to ensure I was ok, I knew we still had to talk about things but I didn't have a single ounce of doubt in my body that no matter what, he loved me. What ever happened I knew he would be there for me and that's all I needed to know.
The rattling of keys in the door caught my attention and soon my father appears in the door way. It was drizzling down outside, his coat was wet and his hair was slicked back as he ran a hand trough his hair.
Sighing he took his coat off and hung it up in the hall. Mum had made him some coffee that she passed him as he stopped across from me.
"How did it go?" She asked before I got the chance. I hadn't spoken much at all since I did come home, firstly mum didn't really give me a chance and I wasn't really in the mood. I had given her small snippets but I knew she could put a few pieces together.
He looked my way, "It went as good as it can, I think, I did bring some added material to them to see if it could help their decision making"
My father was a pro at negotiating, it was part of what he did for a living, but I think negotiating with the police would be a slightly different matter.
"They have an official date to meet a judge and will make it official but I did managed to pull some favours and I know what your sentence will be. They will of course want to do the whole official charade for the sake of protocol but I think it's a fair deal"
Taking a long sip of his drink he rested a hand on the back of a chair, giving me his full attention, I was holding my breath as I was waiting for it.
"You will have a one year driving ban, starting the day after the court date which hasn't been made public yet. I tried to find out, but all they could say was that they had one set, we will receive an official invite at the beginning of the week. There will be a fine of $3500 and 100 hours community service. There is no need for you to serve time due to the fact that this is first time committing a crime and that you aren't likely to commit another. To help sweeten them up I asked several of your lecturers to write letters to confirm your good behaviour."
I was surprised when I heard that, I knew I had heard of similar scenarios, how other people had helped to lower the sentence as they confirmed the behaviour of the accused.
My father continued, "I'm not sure if it made much of a difference, what I do know is that they received a very convincing speech from no other than Olena Belikova"
"Olena was there?" I frowned.
"She was very involved" My father smiled to himself, "You know how convincing she can be, also she had been first on the scene so they needed her testimony as well for the full report"
I nodded along as he spoke. I knew I loved that woman, she had deinfitely given me an earful just like my mother, but I know it only was due to the fact that the two of them cared and loved so hard.
"Can they change the sentence before the court date?" My mother asked, concern written all over her face.
"They can but I think it is very unlikely. All Rose has said matches with what Olena said, they have also spoke to Dimitri this morning and they were going to speak to Lissa as well since they found her texts on your phone as they found you. Comparing all the evidence they have, including texts and other records, it all matches up. "
I was chewing my bottom lip as I many thoughts popped into mind at once. Before I could get too deep into thought my dad's eyes caught mine. He raised a brow, silently asking me how I was doing?
I gave him a weak smile, "I'm happy I don't have to serve any time, thank you for helping me and I'll make sure to thank Olena as well"
"We should have her over for dinner soon, it's the least we can do" Mum agreed sitting down. "I just want this mess over and done with" her eyes met mine, "And I'm still not done with you"
My father chuckled as he had another sip. I shot him a look, "You're enjoying my punishment I presume?"
Mum huffed, "If he isn't I am"
Dad leaned forward he spoke again, "I'd never want you to suffer but you made your bed, lie in it. I know we raised you right, so you will, but if we ever come across anything like this again I won't be as generous and cooperative. Do you understand?"
Nodding I looked down into my cup, "I understand"
"Good, now take your painkillers and get some more rest" My mother said getting up again.
Following orders I silently took my pills and grabbed some water, I stopped before I headed for my room. "Thank you, for everything. I know I've been difficult over the last few weeks, months and you didn't have to do any of what you did, but I do really appreciate it" I know my parents had done a lot for me, and I appreciated it immensely, I just needed them to understand that.
"We love you" dad said, "Don't hesitate to speak to us, it's not what we want"
"I love you too, both of you" I smiled moving my arms as I came closer, pulling both of them in for a hug.
I went in and out of sleep for I don't even know how long, but before I knew it another day had passed and it was already late afternoon when I made it out of bed. I had a check up at my local GP to look at how I was heeling and to rewrap my bandages.
My mum was working as was my dad, so I took a taxi since I couldn't walk very far. I was limping and my body was still healing. Thankfully everything looked good, they took one of my meds away, now I only had a regular painkiller to take for another few days.
Getting dressed after the nurse was done rewrapping my thigh and parts of my hip where I'd have a deeper cut she told me I was good to go. Pulling my hoodie back on I pulled the hood up.
It felt like it was constantly raining and the cold didn't help. Pulling my phone out I pressed Dimitri's name. It didn't dial for long until he picked up. His voice was hoarse as if he'd been sleeping, "Hey babe, you ok?"
"Yeah" I smiled as I imagined him all tousled and confused. "I'm fine, I've um, just finished at the GP, do you mind if I come over?"
"Of course" he shuffled around, "Do you want me to pick you up?"
"Nah it's ok, I've call a taxi and I'll be there in a few?"
"OK cool, I'll see you in a bit"
"Yeah, love you"
I could hear the smile in his voice "I love you too baby"
After what happened, we definitely tell one another 'I love you' more. It's really nice. Before we only said it every now and again, I didn't want to wear it out. But it felt good. I loved hearing it and I love saying it.
The taxi ride was short, getting out of the taxi I tried to hurry to his door to get out of the rain but it was hard when I wasn't use to the hurried movement. Stairs takes a while too, I was nearly out of breath reaching the top, leaning against the nearest wall I close my eyes, to catch my breath.
"One would think all the time you've spent at the gym, stairs wouldn't face you?"
I jumped at the sound of his smooth voice. I tried to hold back a smile, "It's been a while since I hit the gym"
My eyes traveled over him in his shirtless glory. I loved it when all he wore was those cut off sweats. If I wasn't limping I'd easily run my tongue all over the V that disappeared beneath his low riding waistband.
Shaking my head quickly he smiled, "Come on in, I'm making hot chocolate"
It was like my whole life lit up, "Like Olena style hot chocolate"
"It's the only way" he smiled "Hey, come here" he said pulling me close as close the door behind me. His fingers lingered along my jaw, his eyes traveling over my face before he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. Closing my eyes, ease fell over me like a cuddly blanket.
My hands found their way around his waist, I was surprised he didn't flinch at the contrast of my cold hands against his warm skin.
Kissing him back felt like time stood still. After all this time you'd think it would go away but every now again I love to stop and just look at him, what we have. The way he takes his time while he kisses me only boosts the fact that I will spend the rest of my life with him. It's still early even ignoring all that's happened. But I love him, all of him.
"Jesus, how long can two people stay in the door way?" Ivan's annoying voice made me pull away slightly. Dimitri rolled his eyes which made me smile.
"At least we stick to kissing when we have an audience" Dimitri said shooting Ivan a look as he took my hand, taking me to the kitchen.
"Come on Dimitri, I didn't know you were home" Ivan moaned over from the sofa's.
"Then maybe you should have checked" he snapped.
I think what they were talking about when that Ivan and Viktoria thought they were along last week and definitely were about to get down and dirty on the sofa and Dimitri had the pleasure of walking out of his room and get a not so flattering view of Ivan. "He'll never be able to un see that" is what he keeps telling me.
"How are you Rose?" Christian asked leaning against the kitchen side.
"I'm alright" I half smiled starting to take my damp hoodie off. I could see Dimitri from the corner of my eye. My right arm still had some pretty nasty bruises after the accident and he seemed to flinch slightly he time he saw them.
"How was the doctors?" he asked instead as he was heating up the milk and prepping the cups. Judging by the amount of cups the guys were clearly getting in on this.
"It was fine, they rewrapped me and took me off some of the heavier meds, I got one more week left then I'm completely free of them"
"That's good right?" Christian asked.
I nodded "Yeah, I'm healing fine, I can't wait to get rid of this limp" I said grimacing.
Dimitri didn't say anything else as he continued with the hot chocolate. He passed me my cup before telling the guys that it was ready. Placed a hand on the small of my back he guided me to his room.
"Don't do anything freaky, walls are thin" Ivan teased.
"She's freaking limping stupid, they won't be doing anything for a while" Christian said declaring Ivan an idiot.
"I can still do stuff" I said loud enough for them to hear before Dimitri closed the door. He rolled his eyes at me, "You always have to get those two on edge"
"Don't take my fun away from me" I smiled innocently as I reached put set my cup down on his bedside table, flinching slightly at the awkward angle, Dimitri was quick to take it from me before helping me to sit on his bed.
He loved to baby me, it was a tad annoying at times, but he hated to see me hurting. Getting comfy against the headboard he joined by half lying next to me. Passing me my hot chocolate I smiled a silent thank you.
Sipping in silence, I kept studying him. He looked comfortable but I could still sense something. He didn't want to keep talking about what happened and I had let it go every time we spoke on the phone but now that we were face to face I wanted to get it over with.
"I know you still have things to say" And I wasn't being shy about it. He sighed as I did, I continued "I know you didn't want to get angry with me at the hospital because I was all vulnerable and I wasn't asking for you to shout and me for the sake of it. But if you have something to say, say it, please. I know you're disappointed in me and what have happened, how it could have had an impact on us that would have left you-" I paused, licking my lips, "That would have a outcome we definitely couldn't change. But I will be ok Dimitri, you know I will" I set my cup down on the other side of me.
Moving so I was facing him more, it hurt but I ignored the pain, "I don't want you to feel like you can't tell me things just because of the way things went, be honest with me"
"I'm not holding back"
"But that's how it feels right now. Like you are, you're hesitant, you never were before"
He took a sip before setting his cup down, "I'm not trying to hold things back, but it's hard when you hid away from me as much as you did. You didn't share anything Rose, what if you do that again? Excuse me for being guarded, but it's just my natural reaction"
Chewing my lower lip I thought for a second, "I could leave for England again" I said quietly, he flinched as I said it but I took his hand realising how it sounded, "I didn't meant it like that, what I'm trying to say is that anything could happen, I could move, be in another accident, you could move, hell you could even crash your motorbike. But it's in the unknown Dimitri. You can trust me, it might take time because of the decisions I made, but I am owning up to them, I'm not shying away"
"I'm proud that you're owning up to your mistakes, baby I am. Yes I was disappointed, hell I was even angry, but that was in the moment. All I want is for you to heal and be one hundred percent before I can relax fully again"
Nodding I took in what he said. Keeping my eyes on his I lifted my hand, resting it on his cheek. Turning his face slightly he kissed the inside of my hand. I smiled.
"You know that I wouldn't leave you again don't you?" I asked feeling worried after the way I'd spoken. "I'd never ever do that again, where you go I go"
A smile spread on his lips, "I wouldn't let you leave even if you did"
Breathing a laugh I leaned forward pressing my lips to his. A long lingering kiss before I pulled back ever so slightly. "I love you, you know that right?" I murmured.
He nodded murmuring "As I love you" before sealing the space between us again. His hand landed on my hip, the wrong hip and I flinched slightly as the pain shot through me. Lifting it instantly, "Sorry" he breathed. "You ok?"
Clearing my throat I nodded. Annoyance filled me as he couldn't even touch me without cause he pain, pain that wasn't his fault of course. I just wish I was better so he could be less careful.
"I guess we really can't do anything" I said shooting him a pointed look. I think he sensed my annoyance. He smiled cupping my chin, "Maybe not, doesn't stop me from kissing you"
My smile grew as I leaned in again. Slowly easing myself down, he carefully laid next to me, holding me closer as his tongue ran along my bottom lip. "I feel like I'm fifteen again" he breathed in between kisses, "Making out of your bed"
I breathed a laugh against his lips as I kissed him again. "Then let's be fifteen again and make out on your bed"
"I like the sound of that"
I had to laugh, his face looked so cheeky and excited, a face that normally showed when I wasn't dressed, and I am very muchly dressed right now.
Getting lost in the kiss I pushed any thoughts that might interrupt us away. I was completely content with just kissing on his bed, for now.
As soon as I was better I would make sure he remember what he had been missing. Then that excited face would come back on …and I won't be wearing anything
Right, what do we think? Did you think that would be Rose's punishment or that Ibrahim was able to sneak his way round it? Was it fair? Should it have been differently?
What would you like to see in the last chapter? There will be a lemon! I can promise you that ;)
Lot's of love xx
