Hey guys. Thought I'd update again because I need a pick me up, and hearing from my readers about new chapters makes me feel better.
to the guest reviewer that had a question about the year: I wanted to keep true to the birth date that Richelle Mead had given to Rose which was late March of 1992. That would make her 17 (which is her age in the beginning of the story) in 2009. Also, when I began writing this story, I was going to have Rose and Dimitri's pen pal relationship last several years nefore they met, which would bring it up to a more current year. Well, that changed once I got to writing the story with my coauthor, Bethismyname. They still have a fairly long pen pal relationship before they meet face to face, but it won't be quite as long as I had originally planned. I hope that answers your question :)
Disclaimer : I do not own VA or any of the recognizable characters
Please review! Your reviews make me feel better :)
Enjoy!
Rose POV
I decided to get a head start on my essay that went along with our pen pal assignment, so I decided to do some background research on the military. I had convinced Lissa to come to the library with me before school so that we could combine our research skills. While Lissa and I were researching the military, she ran across an article about some guy getting promoted due to some heroic action.
"Look at this article, Rose. Do you think we could use some information from it?" Lissa asked.
While skimming the article, I noticed the picture attached. It was of a really tall, really good looking solider receiving an award. He had dark brown hair that was cut short, and chocolate brown eyes that seemed to stare into your soul. Sadness rolled off of him in waves, even through the picture.
"I don't know, but the guy receiving the award is hot. Save the link, and if we need it later, we will have it." I told her.
Soon after that, Lissa and I left the library because class was about to start. I made myself as comfortable as I could in one of these stupid school desk in my Senior English class. Ms. Petrov usually handed out pen pal letters to the class every 3rd day or so. Since she handed out letters yesterday, no one expected to get one today. You can imagine my surprise when she walked in with a lone letter, and handed it to me.
Barely containing my excitement, I tore open the letter and began to read. Even though we had only written back and forth a few times, I'd come to like and trust Dimitri. My excitement drained quickly as I read the letter, and I had to hold in a few tears of my own. My pen pal, my Comrade, lost his best friend, and the tear stained letter showed me just how much that loss has shaken him. My heart broke for him, so I started on my reply.
October 2, 2009
Dear Comrade,
I got your last letter. I promise that I won't run off and join the military like you did. To be honest, that's not really my style. I don't handle authority well, and I'd probably get kicked out on the first day for punching everyone who tried to tell me what to do.
Although it makes me happy that you feel comfortable enough to tell me about Ivan, I don't really know what to say other than I'm sorry for your loss. I've never lost anyone close to me like that. I've also never been one to give out zen wisdom, but I really wish I knew how to help you take the hurt away. One thing that you will learn about me is that when my friends are hurting, so am I, and I will do whatever I can to take that hurt away. I can proudly say that I consider you my friend. I feel like I can tell you everything, and I know that you won't judge me.
In other news, I found a job. I am now a part time waitress at a karaoke bar. Lissa also got a job as a part time waitress at the same place. I think my boss, Victor, only hired us because he likes to stare at my chest. Either that, or he is scared of my father. Baba has a lot of influence in a lot of places, but I'm not really sure what he does for a living. The only answer I've ever gotten about his work is that he is a businessman.
Anyway, class is almost over, so I'm gonna finish up this letter. Can't wait to hear from you again, and hopefully you will be feeling better.
Your favorite pen pal,
Rose
7 October, 2009
Dear Rose,
Your letter cheered me up, thank you for that. It has been tough dealing with everything, but you've really helped me. I don't know what to say about your job, if it's your father's influence then that's fine, but I'm not sure you should trust yourself around your boss at the moment. You said you liked to sing, and a karaoke bar seems oddly fitting for you. If you really love it that much, I think you should pursue it.
It's gotten worse over here. I shouldn't tell you this, but the situation is worse than they're letting on. I was promoted recently, and they've let me in on many secrets, some so disturbing I can't even begin to describe them. I've seen things, things of nightmares. They've hidden so much from us, and I can only hope and pray that it'll all be over soon.
On a more cheerful note, how's your essay coming along? You said you had to write something about our letters, and I want to help in any way I can.
-Comrade
I sealed the letter tightly in an envelope, and grimaced at the thought of what had been happening recently. I never realised how many accidents and fatalities had been covered up, and all so easily.
I was consumed by my thoughts as I walked across the dusty ground. A wind whipped through my hair and I shivered slightly.
I handed the letter in, and stepped out the tent, the same time an arrow whizzed over the tall walls surrounding the camp, landing in the middle of the quad.
I jogged over, ripping the small piece of parchment rapped around it off the shaft.
I unfurled it to find a blood chilling message written in bad, almost indecipherable handwriting.
Beware, we're coming