Chapter One
I was patiently awaiting my future, next to the countless others whose names I probably wouldn't even remember five years from now. Graduation day was finally here and honestly, I couldn't wait to escape these Academy walls, to finally be a guardian.
"Rosemarie Hathaway, guardian of Christian Ozera" Alberta announced dragging me from my daydream,
In a strange way, I was glad I wasn't guarding Lissa and not that I would ever admit this to Pyro but I'm glad I got him and nobody else. After Lissa and I had a falling out, it was never the same between us and maybe one day we'll get the chance to reconnect, but for now I think this is for the best.
"Congratulations Rose," Alberta smiled as I made my way on stage to collect my certificate
"I'm so proud of you, you're going to make an amazing guardian Rose," I smiled and wrapped my arms around the only women whose ever truly believed in me,
"Good luck Rose, hope to see you soon" Kirova smiled at me "It just won't be the same without Rose Hathaway" I laughed at her and shook my head before making my way to the chair on stage to receive my promise mark.
After the ceremony has ceased, everyone stood around chatting excitedly, so I started making my way to the back where the food and refreshments table sat.
"Some ceremony," a voice said from behind, as I turned my eyes widened, in her guardian attire stood my mother….Janine Hathaway.
"Mum," I said astonished, "I….what…I mean hi" I stuttered, she smiled sheepishly at me before saying hi
"What are you doing here?" I asked completely in shock
"I came to watch my daughter graduate and get her promise mark" she replied like it was obvious
"Oh, where is she?" I asked in a snarky tone and she frowned at me
"Look, Rose, I understand that our relationship has always been rocky but I would like to make amends and I would like to be a part of your life…if you would let me," she said awkwardly
"Rocky's an understatement but I would really like that mum," I told her with a small smile
"Congratulations Rose, I'm so proud of you," she said teary-eyed, "Thanks, mum" I replied and hugged her, she stiffened but after a second relaxed and hugged me back
"Aww, family reunion" I hear a voice from behind mum, as we break away I see Christian standing there in all black…what a surprise.
"Lord Ozera," I say bowing and he laughed
"I'll let you catch up and I'll talk to you soon Rose" mum said retreating
"So…" Christian said looking everywhere but my face
"What's up Fireballs?" I asked casually,
"Look, I'm sorry that you got me as your charge, frankly I'm surprised they gave me a guardian let alone Rose Hathaway and I know you and I don't see eye to eye a lot but it doesn't mean we have to be miserable" he spoke smiling shyly and I laughed which in turned tinged his cheeks pink from embarrassment
"Sorry Flames, look I'm fine being your guardian and I'm sure I can learn to live with you" I smiled "you deserve to have a guardian, after all you are royalty at the end of the day." He laughed and hugged me
"Thanks, Rosie," he whispered in my ear before pulling away
"So, I know you might want to hang around for a few more days but if you wouldn't mind, could we leave tonight instead of staying. I just want to get away from this place and forget all the memories it holds inside these gates."
"Your wish is my command Lord Ozera" I smiled my man-eater smile "I'll pack" I, told him and walked away.
…..
I had just zipped up the last of my suitcases when there was a knock at the door, it opened and in barged my charge, Christian Ozera.
"Rude much" I commented
"I knocked didn't I?" he commented dryly
"You ready?" he asked happily, I looked around my bare room and sighed thinking back on my time at the academy, I couldn't believe I was actually leaving this place.
"Yeah Christian, I'm ready" I smiled a sad smile and followed him out carrying as many bags as I could finally leaving the only place I have ever called home.