THE OTHER WAY ROUND
Chapter 18
(DICLAIMER- I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THESE CHARACTERS. THE AMAZINGLY TALENTED RICHELLE MEAD DOES)
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
previously on The Other Way Round…
Rose: "ivan! what are you doing here at this hour?"
Ivan: "I didn't mean to disturb you at this hour rose but… its about Dimitri…"
…
Ivan: "he's asking for you. I think you should go talk to him rose"
…
Dimitri: "im sorry… I disappointed you and I also disappointed ivan… im useless"
Rose: "don't be. You didn't disappoint anyone Dimitri. and don't you dare say that you're useless! What you did was not wrong. You didn't had any wrong intentions comrade"
Rose: "I know how it feels… I've been through the same thing when I was your age.."
Dimitri: "what do you mean?"
Rose: "There was a guy, jesse- jesse zeklos. He and I… we made out. He took the wrong sign so then he tried to bite me…"
Dimitri: "how did you get past that phase?"
Rose: "I cried. I cried my eyes out. But after a couple of days I understood that this was my life. I have only one chance left. I wanted to be a guardian… protect my best friend. I wanted to achieve everything- every dream that I ever had."
Rose: "One day it'll all be worth it- one day you'll need no one to accomplish your dreams. I promise"
Dimitri: "but I'll have you right? I need you…"
Rose: "always"
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
DPOV-
It was almost noon (midnight for humans) when I woke up from my long sleep. I felt good and fresh after a long relaxing bath.
I remembered everything that happened yesterday night… me crying… ivan talking to me… rose hugging me… and tucking me to bed.
I still didn't liked the fact that rose saw me crying yesterday… maybe now im just a teenage boy who cries, to her.
I didn't had school or any practise today so I dressed in casual clothes; blue faded jeans and grey v neck tshirt.
The classes would've been almost over by now. And its finally weekend … which means ill get to train with rose more.
I made my way out of the building.
Some students were walking back to there dorms. They all were mostly dhampirs, all throwing me nasty looks… I felt sad but then I remembered rose's words…
People are going to hate- they will say things… but don't let it bother you!
I didn't let it bother me…
I walked past them and saw mike waving at me. looks like we're still friends.
I smiled and made my way to him.
"morning mike."
"morning Dimitri! how are you?" he asked with concern
"im good mike. You look very happy, what is it?" I asked him
"well didn't you hear?! The moroi students are going back to the royal court today!" he said literally jumping with excitement.
"what? Why? Why are they going?" I asked dumbly. One day I miss school, and people are going away for god knows what reason!
"well because of the strigoi attack! All the moroi families are calling there kids back! Some of the dhampirs are going too. Guardian Hathaway Mazur made the announcement this morning. They all must be packing right now!" he informed me
"are you going too?" I asked him
"no… mum has a business trip. And anyways, I really don't wanna leave the academy" mike said
I nodded.
I saw some of the moroi kids hugging each other goodbye as the guardians carried there bags to the cars.
Im not even going to lie… its actually good that the moroi students were going away. But what about ivan?
Is he going too?
Then what about me?
"hey mike… ill meet you later okay?"
"yeah sure!"
I went straight to ivan's room after leaving mike.
I knocked his door.
He opened instantly. "dimka! How are you? Are you fine?"
"yes im okay!" I replied "mike just told me that the moroi families are calling there kids back to the royal court. So are you going too?"
"no… I havent got a call or a letter from mom and dad. I guess they're still angry with me because of the running away thing. But ill let you know if I get a word." He said
I nodded quietly.
"so? What happened yesterday?" ivan asked with a glint of mischief in his eyes
"what?" I asked confused
"what did you talk with rose?" he asked
"uh- nothing!" I stammered. He eyed me.
"what? Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked him
He gestured me to sit on his bed , locking the door behind us.
I sat on the bed. Why is he asking questions about rose?
What is going on in his mind?
He sat down next to me.
"tell me dimka! What did you guys talk about?" he asked me excitedly.
"nothing ivan!" I said trying not to meet his eyes "and why are you so excited?"
There was silence in the room now. A very uncomfortable one.
He never asked about rose… why is he asking about her all of a sudden.
"you like her?" he asked bumping his shoulder to mine playfully.
I snapped my neck at him after listening his words.
"what?" I asked dumbly
"cmon dimka! Tell me! do you?"
"ofcourse not ivan!" I exclaimed "she's my mentor! Just stop where ever you're going!" I chastised
"oh please dimka! I've never seen you look at anyone the way you look at rose…" ivan said "and oh look- you're blushing! You never blush!"
Im blushing?
Blushing?
"shut up ivan" I growled.
Okay how to hide your blush?!
"dimka… listen, im not judging…" ivan stated "its just that- that you act so different around rose… so carefree… you are happier around her. Not just some novice who wants to be a grumpy guardian-"
"hey!" I protested
"kidding!" he said raising his hands up in surrender "I mean… its okay if you like her, buddy! I mean that woman's crazy about you and-"
I looked at him startled "what did you just say?"
"last night… after you were oh-so-reluctant to open your door. I went to rose for help. When she opened her door, her hair was all messed up, she was in her night dress and was totally pissed off. Which scared me a little, but as soon as she heard your name, it was like- like all the anger just drained out of her face! She was hell-a concerned for you dimka! She rushed into her bedroom to get the master keys, didn't even bother to change or take a jacket while walking out! She was scared and concerned for you Dimitri. when we stepped in your room, she was shook. her eyes were on you the whole time! It looked like she wanted to hug you so tight but couldn't… because I was there… when I went outside, she was sitting on the stairs and when I went to her she fucking fired me with questions!"
"wha- what are you trying to say ivan?" I managed to say, I was shocked by what ivan just told me.
He huffed "I don't know about you dimka. But rose likes you!" he said shaking my shoulders
Rose likes me?
Me?
Rose and me?
I sprang up from the bed.
"are you crazy ivan?" I exclaimed "why- why will she like me? Me?"
"dimka you're such a fool!"
"no ivan! there's no way in hell she likes me! she's 7 years older than me! she beautiful! Talented! She is a top notch guardian ivan! why will she like me?" I exclaimed.
I really wished someone would give me answers to these questions.
There's no way in hell rose likes me….
"you're stupid Dimitri! no wait- you're blind" ivan said "don't you ever see how concerned she gets about you? She was literally looking at you the whole time during maths class! You were too!"
"she must be doing this out of concern ivan! just because she cares for, doesn't mean that she likes me! im 7 years younger than her… im a novice. She's a guardian!"
"so you mean she's dating someone else?" ivan asked me folding his arms over his chest, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't know" I said quickly
"I think she's dating someone Dimitri… cuz I mean… look at her! She's perfect in everyway isnt she?" he asked me.
He was doing this intentionally.
He knew that the thought of rose dating someone will rebuke me.
And oh… it so was working!
"she's not dating anyone." I said, more to myself than him.
"well I think you're right, cuz I heard Mr. Ozera telling her that Ms. Dragomir is planning to set rose and some guardian Bonville up." Ivan said.
Guardian Bonville?
Bonville and Rose?
"are you kidding me right now!"
"no! im not dimka. Just saying what I heard." He said "and who is this guardian bonville?"
"some new guardian?" I mumbled.
"oh is he good looking?" ivan asked chuckling
"just shut it ivan!"
"okay listen leave rose… what about you? Do you like her?" he said placing his hand on my shoulder "and don't you dare lie to me Dimitri Belikov! Cuz ive known you since we were in 4th grade!"
Ivan is my bestfriend…
I shouldn't hide this from him.
And its not like he would do anything and try to get me and rose together… she is way out of my league.
"I do" I finally admitted
He sighed "thank vlad dimitri! you finally admitted!"
"yeah but it'll change nothing… rose and I will never get together… and its just a crush. it'll go away after some time" I said although I didn't wanted this crush to go away… not now not ever.
"you're right…" he said patting my shoulders "cmon dimka! Lets take a walk!"
x
Ivan and I were walking close to the gates of the academy… I remembered how we used to walk here every weekend…
It was far away from the academy ground. We always talked and laughed carelessly here.
It wasn't restricted or anything but people rarely ever walk here, well except for the guardians. I couldn't help but notice that there was more guardians securing the spots around the gate. Maybe because of the strigoi attack…
Ivan and I were talking about school and stuff. We didn't mention anything about rose or vika…
I knew that my sister was still giving him a hard time. "how are you and vika?" I asked cautiously
"I don't know" he mumbled "im giving her a little time to cool down then maybe I'll talk to her. I should give her some space."
I stopped walking and leaned against a tree, he stood infront of me "how did you get so wise?" I joked
He shook his head smiling "well your "love" talked some sense in me" he said
"rose?" I asked him curiously
"yeah! She told me to give vika some time…" ivan answered.
"and she's not my "love" ivan" I said in a low voice.
He just chuckled
"speak of the angel" ivan muttered nudging me to look where he was looking.
A group of people were walking towards the gate. I immediately saw rose, dressed to perfection in her black pantsuit with grey shirt. She wore her gold bracelet and an olive green shawl was wrapped around her neck. She looked absolutely beautiful.
Her hands were behind her back and she was walking in like a perfect guardian.
There were more guardians behind her… even mason; dressed in a guardian pantsuit.
They were walking behind Lissa, Christian and Abe.
Lissa was wearing a emerald green satin dress and Christian wore black jeans with a matching black cotton shirt. Abe, like always, was wearing his expensive tailored suits with a white shawl around his neck.
Rose was looking somewhat nervous…
"Earth to Dimitri?" ivan said waving his hand infront of my face, blocking rose.
I slapped his hand away.
"what?" I questioned
"you zoned out there, dimka!" he said and bumped my shoulder "I know you like her, don't be so obvious!"
I glared at him.
I was already regretting telling ivan about roza…
I set my eyes back at rose again. Even though her guardian mask was on… she looked nervous… more like nauseous.
"looks like someone's coming to the academy" ivan chirped
"yeah… maybe"
Ivan and I walked a little closer to the crowd. Guardians noticed us but didn't felt bothered or anything.
Suddenly rose's eyes fell on me, her nervousness was gone…
She gave me a small sweet smile. Oh how beautiful she looks while smiling….
I smiled back.
RPOV-
I was literally freaking out right now! My guardian mask was on but my hands were shivering… I felt my temperature rising. I know im panicking!
I made sure that I looked perfect today… like a proper guardian.
I will not let him see me like this!
Im sure I don't still love him but there was a time I trusted him more than myself… and he broke all of it. And after 2 years he's coming back to "meet" us.
Between all these panicking, my eyes fell on Dimitri and ivan standing a little far from us.
One look at Dimitri's face and all my worries just vanished. Things this guy does to me.
He wore casual blue jeans and tshirt… but still managed to look like a model straight out of a magazine.
I felt myself smiling at him.
He smiled back, which made my heart flutter. Why! He doesn't even know the things he does to me.
I felt a nudge.
It was stan, telling me to walk.
I didn't even realise when I stopped walking in the front place…
We all stopped just before the academy's gate.
I closed my eyes and tried to slow down my breathing rate...
Suddenly images flashed in my mind…
It was me and andre… when we were kids… how he always used to say no to lissa's tea parties and I always convinced him cuz lissa would cry…
The night we first kissed… when we went on our first date… when we used to cuddle and watch notebook or vampire diaries…
I opened my eyes quickly.
I tried not to let those stupid tears fall, which were stinging my eyes now.
Those memories hurt…
I felt an hand on my shoulder.
It was Christian
I wanted to say something to him… tell him that it hurts, that I cant be here and see the person who broke me… but it was like my lips were glued
"I know" he whispered… "I know its hard… it hurts but you are rose hathaway mazur… you are a guardian. Be that guardian! Put on your guardian mask. Don't let that bastard see you like this."
His voice was less than a whisper, so only I heard him.
He's right… im not going to be so vulnerable…
I pulled back my tears and kept a straight emotionless face.
From the corner of my eyes I saw Dimitri and ivan still standing there… and few students were also joined in, for seeing the person who was coming to the academy.
Lissa looked back and gave me a sad smile.
I smiled back.
Just then a 2 SUV and a BMW pulled up at the academy gate.
I held my breath mindlessly.
After a few seconds the doors of the first Suv in the front opened and 6 guardians emerged out of it, quickly making a circle around the three cars.
No Andre in that one…
One of the guardian went to open the BMW which was in the middle of the 2 SUVs'.
A white leather boot stepped down at the road.
A second later the door was closed, showing a woman, with long platinum blonde hair and grey eyes. She had a beautiful yellow dress on which reached upto her knees.
It was Rhea…
Lissa's mom.
Just like me everyone was shocked to see Rhea… oh and Eric! Who just got out of the other side of the car.
He was wearing grey pants and a loose white shirt.
The gates swung open as they both walked towards us, smiling brightly.
It has been so long since I had seen them…
Over a year, I guess.
They both were like my second mom and dad. I practically grew up around them!
I was so elated to see lissa's parents.
As soon as the stepped inside the academy gate, lissa rushed upto them and hugged her dad tightly, and then her mom.
Being her guardian, I stepped forward too.
Christian went upto them and hugged them and asked about their journey and stuff… pyro making a good image infront of his future in-laws, I see!
The four of them turned their eyes to me- actually the everyone's eyes were on me.
I grinned like a lost child who found her parents and practically jumped on Rhea, and gave her a big hug. She hugged me back chuckling in delight. Next I hugged Eric, I still felt like that little rose who would give them hugs and consider them as her parents.
"oh rose! Look at you! You are looking so lovely my dear!" Rhea exclaimed rubbing my shoulders.
A blush crept on my face "you look gorgeous as ever Rhea!" I complimented her. "how are you!"
"im quiet fine, dear" rhea answered
Eric laughed and pulled me and lissa in another fatherly bear hug "look rhea! Both of our daughters have turned into such beautiful women!"
She nodded, tears were welling up her eyes "you're right eric!"
We all shared a good laugh.
Everyone else came up and greeted them. But then it struck me… andre isnt here?
And I was double happy!
Thank Vlad he isnt here!
"where's andre?" lissa asked rhea "why hasn't he come?"
"who said he isnt here?" rhea said in a surprised tone "he's in his car right now, having a little business call I think."
And all my happiness came shattering down….
My breathing hitched when the last SUV's door swung open and closed in a millisecond, showing a tall man with dirty blonde hair, shining under the night lights.
He went over at the back of the car and opened the door for someone else to step out…
A petite red head girl, wearing a white lace dress which stopped midthigh with very long white heels.
She clinged onto him as the walk inside the gates with all the guardians walking behind them.
His eyes were sparkling green. a little beard all over his face….
Andre looked hot! There I said it!
To say that he had changed since the last time I saw him, would be an understatement.
I quietly took 2 steps back.
Lissa went upto him and hugged him tightly, followed by Christian.
His eyes fell on me, at the same time as my gaze set on him.
His expression changed… his smile faded and so did mine.
I fell everyone's eyes on us.
He really had changed a lot.
Memories of us flashed before my eyes…. Good and bad…
"lord dragomir" stan's voice broke our staring contest "its so good to see you after such a long time"
Andre shifted his gaze from me to stan.
"likewise stan… I've missed this place quiet a lot" andre said.
I restrained my self from rolling my eyes or huffing.
One by one people went upto him and greeted him. I stood at the back, with no intention of "greeting" him.
I didn't even wanna look at him.
Stan signaled me to greet him like the other guardians.
I really should say something to him… im a guardian. And we should always greet the moroi's with respect, they were the all mighty vampires and blah blah blah!
I glued my guardian mask on my face and walked towards him, his eyes widened a little and so did lissa's and rhea's, over andre's shoulder. The girl clinging on andre's arm narrowed her eyes at me
I stopped right infront of him.
"Lord Dragomir" I said politely giving a slight formal nod.
His lips twitched upwards in a smirk. Oh how I wanted to erase that smirk off his face.
"Guardian Hathaway Mazur" he said my name with such venom in it, it made me feel sick!
"long time no see" he continued, which made me flinch a little
We hadn't talked to each other since our breakup. Just catching a few glances during the annual royal dinner back at court.
"indeed" I replied, trying to keep a straight face "I hope you had a nice flight, lord Dragomir"
"I did. Thank vlad! flights and I go pretty well together" he replied smirking
I snapped my gaze up on his face. I knew that he was talking about how flights and I don't go well together… I remembered how he always used to carry sour candies for me whenever we travelled though air… and how he would always comfort me whenever I felt nauseous.
Snap out of it rose! It was a long time ago! He loved you back then, he doesn't even like you now!
"well this is Ariana Shelzy" rhea said gesturing to the red head.
My gaze fell on her. She was smiling brightly
Rhea seemed hesitant to say the next line but eric nudged her a little "Andre's fiancé" she said finally.
All of our eyes widened.
Andre's fiancé?
Fiancé?
What in the world-
"andre's fiancé?" lissa exclaimed in disbelief "how- I- how do I not know about this?!"
I saw that a lot of students were gathered around us. And we really shouldn't create a scene here, In front of the students. And Dimitri.
Dimitri had a confused look on his face… I really wanted to walk upto him, grab his hand and walk away and stay with him until this stupid world ends… stupid and chessy… I know! But I really wish I could do that right now.
Dimitri caught me looking at him, a small smile played on his lips, which reassured me a little…
Everything will be fine…
"I think we should go in" I said suddenly "its getting late and its not safe for us to stay so near to the gates."
"Yes. Guardian Hathaway Mazur is right, we shouldn't stand here any longer" stan said.
I silently thanked him for backing me up.
"well I think they are right. lets continue this conversation inside our room" eric spoke up.
I gestured them to walk ahead.
I followed them behind, with the other guardians to the guest housing.
As soon as we stepped inside there room chaos broke out.
"Mom! Why didn't anyone told me that andre has a fiancé!?" lissa exclaimed
"we have just fixed their engagement, a couple of days ago. that's the reason we came here. To tell you all" eric answered.
"but- I should've known if andre was seeing someone! Im his sister for fuck's sake!" lissa shouted.
We all flinched. Lissa rarely ever curses.
"Language Vasilisa!" rhea scolded
I went up to her "liss… please calm down!" I whispered
"no rose! Im not gonna calm down!" she said and then turned to her brother "you told me you weren't seeing anyone!"
"lissa listen to me." andre said grasping her shoulders "it was a family arrangement. Her majesty Queen Tatiana made this arrangement for us"
So they weren't in love?
But andre always wanted to marry someone whom he loves….
Yeah! I know that because he said that to me, trying to change my mind from being lissa's guardian and marry him and become "lady dragomir"
Lissa calmed down a little but she was still angry "queen Tatiana made this arrangement?" lissa asked quietly.
They all nodded.
She sighed "okay… well I cant go against queen bi- Tatiana" lissa said.
I stifled my laugh when she almost called Tatiana 'queen bitch'. I could see Christian stifling one too.
Everyone congratulated the couple…
"Congratulations on the engagement Lord Dragomir and Ms. Shelzy" I said to him and Ariana.
Andre stiffened, he had pain in his eyes for some reason…
"thank you rose" he said my name in such a perfect way, like he used to before…
I gave him a small smile.
"I was thinking of us having dinner with all of you kids today!" rhea piped in
Dinner with andre? no way in hell!
"that is a very nice plan actually! Its been so long since we've all had a nice talk!" eric said "rose, lissa, Christian, mason, eddie and Ibrahim lets have a nice dinner together!"
I forget that baba was in the room aswell.
"ah! Well I believe we all have a lot to catch up on but im sorry I cant." Baba said apologeticly "Janine is arriving today"
For a second there, he was blushing but he covered it up immediately
Rhea's eyes lit up "well bring her along!" she exclaimed "its been so long I've seen Janine!"
"well in that case, count us in!" baba said.
"what about you kids?" eric asked us.
Mason and eddie said yes immediately, followed by lissa and Christian.
Now everyone's eyes were on me.
I have to think of something!
I really don't wanna sit there and have dinner with andre and his fiancé!
"um- I have extra practise with Dimitri- my student" I lied.
"vasilisa told us about you mentoring a student!" rhea said "well we are thinking of inviting Ivan Zeklos to the dinner party, seeing that we are very close with his parents and they have been through some tough times"
They were inviting ivan for dinner?
Will comrade come too?
My mind suddenly lit up by the thought of this.
You do have to bring a plus one on these dinner party things… but maybe he'll bring viktoria…
"is there no way you can come rose!" lissa pleaded "pleaseeeee!"
"okay! Fine. Ill come!" I gave in.
I really didn't wanted lissa to plead to me infront of her parents, that's why I said yes…
Or because you think that Dimitri will come?
Yeah… maybe for that reason too…
He will not come rose.
There's a 50-50 chance that Dimitri will come… and hey! A girl can dream, right?
IPOV-
After saying bye to Dimitri, I walked back to my room.
I stopped when I saw a gold glittery envelope dropped on my doorstep.
I opened it up and started reading it…
Dragomir Family Dinner
Saturday, Nov 6th
At 7:30 pm
St. Vladmir's ball room
Regards- Rhea and Eric Dragomir.
I flipped the enevelope over and saw 'Mr. Ivan Zeklos & Guest" written on it.
The dragomirs were really good friends of my mom and dad… but its quiet a shock that they invited me to there dinner party.
And I have to bring a plus one…
If I ask vika to go as my date, she'll probably throw her pointed heel on my face…
But then it struck me!
Rose!
Rose will be there- I mean she has to be there, cuz she's Ms. Dragomir's guardian.
I could get Dimitri to go with me!
Yes! Dimitri can go with me cuz rose will be there.
Dimka did admitted his feelings for rose but that stupid fool thinks that she doesn't like him back!
He has done a lot of things for me… now its my turn to do something for him.
Im going to make my bestfriend's love life a whole lot better!
I quickly inserted to invite to the envelope and ran to dimka's room.
X
"No way ivan! im not going!" dimka exclaimed.
"please dimka! I need to bring a plus one! And your sister wouldn't go. Please come with me!" I pleaded to him.
for the past 10 minutes Dimitri has been saying a straight NO to my requests…
"no ivan… I really don't want to go to these moroi dinner party things!" Dimitri said
I sighed.
Time to play the Master Card…
"well rose is going to be there, you know" I said smirking.
His eyes, which were on his cowboy books were now at me.
"that got your attention!" I commented chuckling "please come dimka! Rose is going to be there!"
He thought for a little while… "still no ivan" he said and buried his nose in his novel… again.
Huhhhhhh!
I sat on the corner of his bed "dimka listen, I know you don't like these moroi parties but Mr. and Mrs. Dragomir are very good friends of my mom and dad. And after we graduate and when you become my guardian, you will have to go to these kinda moroi things with me, so why not start the practise now?!" I asked him eagerly. He has to say yes! I have so many things planned for him and rose to get along…
He suddenly closed his book and kept it at his nightstand
"fine. Ill come."
I did a quick victory dance in my mind.
"thank you dimka!" I exclaimed.
He smiled at my reaction "what time is it?"
"7:30" I replied quickly "ill pick you up at 7:15, my date" winking at the last part
"ivan" he glared at me.
Then we both burst out laughing.
Now that dimka has agreed to come to the dinner… I really hope it goes well, and make rose and Dimitri come closer!
RPOV & DPOV-
!This is going to be a hell of a dinner!
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
author's note-
So you guys heard Rose and Dimitri…
the next chapter is going to be a hell of a dinner…
now we only need to see what ivan has planned for these 2 'forbidden-love-birds' and what problems andre and his fiancé will cause in their relationship.
If you wanna know, you gotta keep reading!
Until next time…
~K