Reality Bites - Wattys 2018 Shortlist

Chapter 50 - A Small Problem

Dimitri and the Mazur employed Guardian Kirk walked me across to Lissa's dorm room where we were met by another Mazur Guardian. Lissa was expecting us, so opened the door as soon as we knocked. The two Mazur Guardians stayed outside while Dimitri deposited me into Lissa's room with firm instructions that I was not allowed to leave. Checking the room was secure, and that the blinds were closed, he then pulled me into a searing hot kiss, stroking my face.

"I love you milaya," he said. "I'm going to train with Eddie, but I'll be back for you in a couple of hours."

"I love you too, Comrade. Take your time; we'll be here."

It was good to get a chance to talk with Lissa. All the extra security meant I never had a chance to speak to her alone anymore, and there was so much going on I needed to tell her about. Especially the 'where to from here' stuff.

"You're worried about telling me something," Lissa said – although whether it was my face or the bond that gave it away, I wasn't sure.

"Yeah, I am. It's about next year,"

"Have you changed your mind?" Lissa asked, disappointment in her features.

"Not about Europe. But Lissa, I don't think I'll be going as your Guardian. I'm thinking of taking a year's leave of absence and going as your friend." I stopped to look at her to see how Lissa was taking the news. Surprisingly, she seemed fine with the idea. "If I were your Guardian, I'd be spending the whole time assessing security and setting the guard for you. I'd never be able to fully see and experience Europe, or spend any real time with Dimitri's family. Do you understand?"

"Of course I do," Lissa said. "I'd pretty much expected that would happen. In fact, Christian and I have already discussed possible alternate Guardians."

I had to admit I was a little hurt. While I was the one leaving Lissa in the lurch, it hurt to feel like I could be so easily replaced.

"We couldn't see Dimitri guarding either," she continued, oblivious to my wounded feelings "so, in the end, we thought maybe Eddie?"

"Eddie? As your Guardian?" I had to admit the idea had never occurred to me.

"Well, you said he's one of the most skilled in the year. He works well with you and Dimitri which is important because even if you're on leave, you're still Guardians, and if we're going to be traveling a lot of the time together, I thought you'd prefer someone you like? He knows us all, he knows about some of the spirit stuff. I trust him, and I know that if you also got assigned to me in the future, the two of you could work together."

"You've put a lot of thought into this," I said somewhat sarcastically, my feelings still wounded.

"Yes, but only because I want you to be happy, Rose. Dimitri makes you complete. It's not just you and I anymore, and I'm ok with that. We'll find a way to make it work." Her words were so similar to what Dimitri had said. Lissa was right – so I couldn't stay angry at her.

We spent the next hour catching up on all the Academy gossip. There was a party happening tonight in one of the common rooms which I wouldn't have minded attending, however I couldn't see Mom or Dimitri agreeing. Besides showing up with a Guardian would pretty much kill the mood!

A knock at door alerted us that Dimitri had returned. Coming in and closing the door behind him, Dimitri automatically reached for me. Raising my lips to his I felt the peace Dimitri's presence always brought to me.

"How's Eddie?"

"He's alright. A bit stressed about tonight, but he'll be ok."

"Have you decided what you're going to wear?" Lissa asked. "I could come and do your hair?"