Reality Bites - Wattys 2018 Shortlist

Chapter 45 - You Two Have it BAD!

The guys had gone out to pick up whatever they needed to for this evening. In the end, with the three others going, Christian had gone with them too. Lissa and I were in my bathroom getting ready for tonight.

"So what are Christian's plans for next year?" I asked Lissa as she was curling my hair. Her lips pursed and I could tell she wasn't happy.

"I'm trying to convince him to come to Lehigh with me, but he said he wants a year off first."

"Oh?" This was news to me. Christian was usually up for whatever Lissa suggested. I didn't want to think the word 'whipped,' but for him to be holding out for something different was unusual.

"Yeah. He says he wants a break from studying."

"Maybe he has a point?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, what's the hurry? He's been studying for fourteen years straight. A year off might be just what he needs?"

"But then he won't be with me," she said sadly.

I paused wondering whether to pursue this any further, given our discussion the other day. I mean, I knew Lissa was already feeling stressed about the idea of being abandoned.

"So what does he want to do? Maybe he can have his year off and hang out with you at Lehigh?" I suggested.

"No. He wants to travel," Lissa said. "Because of his parents, he never got a chance. After they died, he came to St. Vladimir's, and other than holidays at his Aunt's place, he never left."

"I know how he feels," I muttered under my breath. "So where does he want to go?" I asked.

"Europe. He's keen on European history. He's thinking of majoring in it at College, but says he wants to see it himself first."

"You could go with him, you know," I said.

Lissa looked conflicted.

"I wish I could, Rose. But even if I tried not to use my magic, the darkness would build up. I don't think I could handle it on my own" she admittedly guiltily.

My heart started fluttering with excitement.

"But if the darkness weren't a problem you'd go?"

"Yeah! I love Europe. Remember I used to go with Mom, Dad, and Andre every summer?" she reminisced wistfully.

How could I forget? The closer we'd get to summer, the more excited Lissa would get. Then she'd head overseas for a couple of months with her family while I'd stay at the academy and help the Guardians clean up and paint the Moroi dorms, do gardening or whatever other maintenance tasks were required for eight weeks. Turning and taking the curler out of Lissa's hand, I placed it on the washstand. Trying to keep my tone casual, I looked at her.

"You know the other day Baba was telling me how gorgeous Turkey is. I'd love to see it one day. And Dimitri is desperate to introduce me to his family and show me where he grew up in Russia. And I've always wanted to see Paris – the city of love..."

Lissa was looking at me carefully.

"Are you trying to say you'd consider a year in Europe with Christian and me? What about Dimitri?!"

"I'd have to check with him, but I'm pretty sure he'd at least consider it..."

And then Lissa and I were hugging and jumping up and down like two crazies in my bathroom.

"Oh my God, Rose! It could be amazing! Imagine all the places we could see!"

"Baba has houses in Turkey and Russia, so we have places to stay there for sure! I'd have to check with Dimitri, but I know he was really hoping we could visit his family after I graduate, and Baba already suggested a trip to Europe as my graduation present!"