Reality Bites - Wattys 2018 Shortlist

Chapter 69 - Stay With Me, Comrade

Everyone turned to look at Rose. But if she'd comprehended what was being said, she gave no sign of it. Her father crouched in front of her, taking her hands in his, positioning himself in front of her gaze.

"Rose? Rose darling? We've heard from the Alchemists. They have Dimitri. Sweetheart? He's very injured, but he's still alive. Rose? They're bringing Dimitri here now. He's critical, but he's alive."

Rose didn't respond for almost a minute, but then a tear rolled down her cheek, and I could see her squeeze her father's hand. Leaning forward, he put his arms around her. And after a moment she put her arms around him.

"He's in a bad way, Rose. He might not survive the trip here. But, for now, he's still with us."

She nodded. Her voice was hoarse, and I could barely hear her when she said "Baba? I need to be with him. No matter what they need to do, I need to be next to him. Even if he's gone when he gets here, or if it's just to be with him when he dies."

Abe nodded, swinging straight into action. Sticking his head out into the hallway, he asked a Guardian to fetch Dr. Olendzki and Guardian Petrov urgently. They arrived within seconds of one another. Pavel quickly outlined the situation – that the Alchemists had found Dimitri; that he was clinging to life and had lost a lot of blood.

This wasn't good news. Blood supplies were already critically low. Alberta was instantly on the phone getting Dimitri's personnel file, determining his blood group.

"That's the same as mine," I said when I heard it, immediately rolling up my sleeve. "Maybe it's because we're cousins?"

Dr. Olendzki and Alberta seemed surprised by this revelation; I guess Dimitri really was quiet about his parentage. I'd just assumed it was in his file. Oops! They were going to check the medical records to see if there was anyone else with that blood type who'd not yet donated.

Abe then looked at Dr. Olendzki. "There's another matter. Rose needs to be with Dimitri from the moment he arrives, and I'd ask you to remember you have a professional responsibility regarding your patient's privacy. Anything you might see, or hear, occur between Rose and Dimitri can go no further."

Looking at Abe unruffled, the doctor said crisply "I'm aware of what you're referring to, and it's not news to me."

Feeling the need to be more explicit, Abe continued. "If their love were to become public knowledge before she can graduate, it would ruin both their futures."

"I see people at their most vulnerable, Mr. Mazur. It's hard to keep up a façade when you want the person you love to comfort you, or when someone you care for deeply is in pain. Rose has been here too many times since she returned, and Guardian Belikov has diligently attended her. Their secret has been and will remain, safe with me. We'll prepare a private room, and I'll have my most discreet staff attend. Unless it is medically necessary for her to leave, then Rose can stay."

It had taken longer than I'd anticipated to have my blood taken. They'd taken as much as they dared - taking beyond what they'd anticipated when I assured them I was fine for them to take more. Looking at the bag, I wasn't sure it would be enough. I mean – the guy was huge – he'd have more blood than a smaller person, right? I was reassured when I saw a Mazur Guardian, and Guardian Alto arrive. Apparently, they were going to donate for Dimitri, too.

I was in a wheelchair being wheeled into a huge room. Rose was sitting on a chair being cuddled by her Mom. Janine still looked pretty drugged up. Abe was standing close by on the other side. Holding out her hand to me, Rose gestured that she wanted me to come over.

"Thank you for giving your blood, Adrian. I know you're tired, but if he makes it here, any insight you can give about his aura might help."

I nodded. I'd already intended to tell her anything I might see. I just wished Lissa was here to heal him – but she was still sedated.