(Back yard)
Dimitri stepped on the deck and threw a sliding door. Noticing that Roza was using an axe to cut down a tree. Dimitri admired Roza's strength and skill as she swung the axe with precision, making quick work of the tree. He approached her and offered to help, impressed by her determination. Roza smiled gratefully and accepted his assistance, grateful for the extra pair of hands.
Recognizing that a pair of hands would accomplish the task far more quickly, Roza accepted Dimitri's offer and welcomed his help. Reaching out, Dimitri removed the axe from Roza's grasp. Rosalie felt a connection with Dimitri as she gazed up into his brown eyes. Dimitri looked into Rosalie's eyes and saw a glint of respect and understanding return to him. Their unsaid connection. grew stronger as they worked together to bring down the tree, each understanding the other's movements without a word. In that moment, they knew they had made a formidable team.
As a new car pulled into the driveway, blowing their horn, everyone turned to see who had just arrived. Rosa turns her head and peers at the car. Roza used sign language. "Who do you think it is?" Dimitri just looked at Roza and said, "Sorry, I don't understand you." Rosalie reached into her back, getting her notebook from her backpack. Dimitri could see the files that Sydney Sage had helped him uncover the truth about Rosalie.
He realized that Rosa kept the file near her and away from his hands. As Rosalie flipped through the pages of her notebook, Dimitri noticed a look of determination on her face. He knew that whatever Sydney Sage had helped him uncover was important, and he was eager to find out more.
Rosalie informs Dimitri that he needs to learn sign language as she flips to the first page of the notebook and writes her message. Since you are my mentor, it would be best for you to learn sign language. If you do this, you'll be able to communicate with me and understand my needs more easily.
Dimitri asked, "Will you teach me?" Rosa nodded her head and started signing the word yes. Dimitri's willingness to learn sign language not only shows his commitment to Rosalie but also demonstrates his respect for her communication preferences. He realized Yeva wouldn't be around all the time; impart to him what Roza said.
(Natasha and Christian)
Rosalie and Dimitri are walking in the direction of the coffee shop on the sidewalk. The sidewalk is covered in lengthy shadows as the sun sets behind them. Rosalie is paying close attention to everything Dimitri says when he is conversing. His enthusiastic gestures and the way his eyes light up when he talks about his passions make her grin.
Rosalie softly touches Dimitri's arm as they get closer to the coffee shop, giving a quiet thanks to the cosmos for bringing him into her life. Dimitri paused his conversation and looked up at Roza, seeing that she was peering through the coffee shop window at two people seated at a table. Dimitri realized she was starring at Tasha and her nephew together.
Dimitri opened the door for Rosa enter the coffee shop before him, while followed behind her. That is, until Christian turned to see Rosalie approaching threw front door coffee with towering Russian standing behind her. Christian's attitude changed when he observed Rosalie with an unknown mystery man. Tasha turned to face Dimitri and exclaimed, "Dimka!"
Christian and Rosalie embrace each other. Christian put his arms around Rosalie's waist and gave her a hug. The sudden meeting seemed to surprise both Tasha and Dimitri. Happy that Rosalie was alright, Christian smiled at her. Dimitri saw Rosalie embrace Christian and couldn't help but feel jealous.
Christian's arms were twisted around her midsection. Dimitri wishes he had given her that embrace. "It's okay, they're just friends," Tasha muttered. With a nod, Dimitri attempted to ignore his jealousy. Even though he knew there was no reason for him to feel that way, it still upset him to see Roza with someone else.
Rosalie stepped back from the embrace and signed to Christian in front of him. Please use my nickname instead of my real name. Christian began to question Rosalie about why she was using sign language. Rosalie responded, "Please, Pryo, I will tell you later." Christian simply shook his head in agreement while glancing at Rosalie.
Tasha said, "Dimka! Who is this young novice?" Before Dimitri could answer Tasha question. Christian responded, "Nice to meet you, Guardian Belikov," "My name is Christian Ozera." "Hopefully, that little warrior hasn't been a problem," remarked Christian. Dimitri said, Nice to meet you Lord Ozera." "Actually, Roza has been a great help," replied Dimitri. She is incredibly bold and resourceful."
Roza reached over taking one chairs away from other table and sit down next Christian. Dimitri reached over taking chair any table and sat down. "It's surprising that St. Valdmir would send a deaf-mute to train with Dimka," Tasha replied, grinning at Rosalie. "
Anut Tasha, Little Warrior isn't a deaf-mute," Christian remarked. "Even if she can't speak, she can still hear you." Tasha asked, "Has she always been mute." Dimitri was listening to Christian and Tasha speak at his Roza. Christian said, "No, little warrior, she wasn't born mute," Christian remarked. "Did something happen for Roza to lose her voice?" inquired Dimitri. Rosa used to nod and sign yes.
Christian recalled, "When we were 12 years old, back at St. Valdmir's Academy." "Guardian Blackstone came to our classroom, to make sure that little warrior and myself got safely to the bus that would have taken us to the museum." "Before we could arrive at the bus, a male strigoi attacked us." "Guardian Blackstone protected us from the male strigoi." The little warrior attempted to shield me from the strigoi." "Guardian Blackstone was slain in front of us." "Little warrior picked up Guardian Blackstone's silver stake." "That was night; the little warrior paid the price." The male strigoi started chocking her, and crushing her voice box." "That was when she made her first kill.' "I'm the one who gave her the nickname Little Warrior."
Dimitri and Tasha were shocked to hear about Rosa's twelve-year-old bravery in defending Christian. Rosalie's sacrifice was not in vain because Christian was safe. Christian responded, "Little warrior paid an almighty price to protect me." "Aunt Tasha, you will show her some respect."
Dimitri peered up to see Roza ordering a drink from Oksana. He noticed that Oksana could understand the sign language. Oksana peered up at Dimitri and asked, "What can I get you?" Dimitri said, "Black coffee." Rosalie sticks out her tongue in decuess. Which made Oksana giggle while walking behind the counter. Dimitri couldn't help but smile at Rosalie's playful antics, grateful for the light-hearted moment amidst the tension.
Oksana returned with the black coffee and a cup of cocoa with three banana muffins. Dimitri thanked her, feeling a sense of camaraderie in the small cafe. The simple gesture lifted his spirits, reminding him that even in the darkest times, there were moments of joy to be found. But he notice that Oksana had giving Roza note. Dimitri reached across the table and took the note away from Roza to see grandmother name on it and knew that Roza give it grandmother. Dimitri said, "I give to grandmother don't worry about it. Rosalie sign OK! Dimitri put the note into his pocket.
As he sipped his coffee and enjoyed the warmth of the cafe, Dimitri heard how Roza lost her voice in saving Christian at the age of 12 years old. He remembered what his grandmother had said, when Roza arrived at his home. Grandmother had stated Roza had traumatic event in her past that made her lose her voice. Now he understood why she used sign language to speak to everyone.
Dimitri looked at the watch to notice it was almost closing time for the coffee shop. When he peered up, he noticed Roza covering her yawn, not being rude while listening to Tasha speak. Dimitri said, "Sorry, Tasha. I need to get Roza back home before my mother gets upset about being out too late." Tasha looked at Dimitri and said, "It's alright!" "I understand Olena, not her staying out late."
Rosa gestured for them, both Christian and Tasha, to go as she got up from the table. I could take both home, Tasha remarked. Olena replied, "How dare you believe that you have the right to stay in a cottage?" "Roza lives in my cottage." After a quick glance between Dimitri and Rosa, Tasha responded. Dimka and Rose ought to go wait in the car, Olena added. Christian It's okay if you pay Roza a visit. Tasha stays away from Roza.
Roza waved good bye to Christian, Oksana, and Mark while Dimitri pushed her to the front door of the coffee shop. Once they were outside, Dimitri whispered to Roza, "You need to be more careful with who you associate with." Roza just appeared at Dimitri with a questionable look. She reached into her back pocket of jeans and pulled out a small notepad. Open it, and write a message.
Before you ask a question, my friend, let's talk about your crazy friends. Roza quickly jotted down a response and handed the notepad to Dimitri. He read it with a serious expression before looking back at Roza. Olena said, "Roza, you know better than to trust just anyone. Dimitri nodded in agreement, his expression serious.
Rosa wrote Dimitri a new message. "Olena is right; we need to be more selective with who we let into our circle. Trust is earned, not given freely." Dimitri read the message and nodded in understanding, with a sense of determination in his eyes.