Into the Ether - Complete

Spring, When New Things Grow: Part 19

We were all silent. No matter how divided Christian and I were, neither of us liked the idea of our girlfriends being poked, prodded or experimented on. I'd experienced first hand just how far Moroi were willing to go 'for the greater good,' and there was no way I was going to stand for my partner or child going through anything like that. The thing is, right now I wasn't entirely sure how to prevent it.

"Why don't you answer that phone?" Christian grumbled, finally saying something. It was buzzing yet again.

Before I could stop her, Rose picked up the phone looking at the caller ID.

"That's forty-eight phone calls since half-past eleven," she said with a growl seeing the missed call number increment beside Tasha's name. "What's that? One every two and a half minutes? Comrade this is getting ridiculous! When is she going to stop?"

I sighed. It was just like it had been with Ivan, if not worse.

"If it's like last time with Ivan it won't. I'll get a new number," I said.

"I'm sure she's fine and just wants to speak with you," Christian said, but his tone lacked conviction.

"Christian, I know it's hard to hear, but you need to understand your aunt is unstable. This whole relationship between she and I is all in her mind." My Roza was soundless where she sat on her bed. I could see this was stressing her and I didn't want her worried. It wasn't safe for her or the baby. "I'm going to go and speak to Alberta. She needs to know that Tasha is not right at the moment. Christian? You've apparently talked to your aunt recently – it might be helpful if you could fill Alberta in about Tasha's current frame of mind."

Lissa gave Christian a supportive look and a nod.

"Christian, do it for her. She's done so much for you, now is the time to help her – even if she doesn't realize she needs it."

His eyes dropped to the floor as he nodded.

"Fine. Let's go," he said tonelessly.

Lissa stood and hugged Christian.

"I'll come find you in your dorm in a little while," she promised.

I kissed Rose on top of her head, frowning as I saw her rub her temples.

"Are you alright, milaya?"

"I'm fine, just a headache," she said, but her eyes didn't quite meet mine.

"Ok. I'll be back up here soon," I told her lovingly.

Last time Tasha lost it, Ivan's love interests became her targets. I was very concerned Tasha would try something against Rose, so I wanted to speak with Alberta as soon as possible. I picked up the two chairs to return to the common room. It looked like Lissa was going to stay and speak with Rose. I don't think Rose was particularly enthusiastic about it, but from her e-mails, and the little she'd said about it since I'd been back, they needed to talk.

"So there's nothing between you and Tasha," Christian said, finally seeming to accept the truth. "She imagined the whole thing."

"I'm afraid so," I replied. "And I need to warn you, last time things got really out of hand. I can look after myself, but if she comes after Rose and my baby, I won't hold back."

"It is your baby, isn't it?" he asked, trying the idea on for size in his mind.

"If you even have to ask that then you don't know Rose at all," I replied sadly.

We were in the corridor to Alberta's office. It was weird to be here and not in uniform, but until I was officially allocated somewhere, I guess I was on unpaid leave. I had savings, so that wasn't the concern – but I needed to get in touch with Court and let them know what had happened and where I was.