Moving Objects

Chapter 10

"I'm not going to give you a pep talk because I know you don't need it. I know that you are going to kick ass, and you're going to it well. You got this," he said quietly but I could hear the pride in his voice. I nodded and patted his hands before turning around and getting ready to go next, tightening my hair one last time.

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I wasn't sure whose arms were squeezing me harder: Lissa's or Dad's. I could barely breathe. I tried to wiggle out but it was no use.

"You got the highest score!" Lissa squealed in my ear and I chuckled a little. That was shocking! I was so shocked that I couldn't do anything but let my mouth hang open. I was also shocked to see Mom waiting at the end with Dad and she was ecstatic.

"As long as I pass my written exams, I'm golden!" I joked which Lissa punched my shoulder playfully to before she pulled away, letting Dad swoop in and give me a proper hug. I shifted and wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my head on his shoulder.

"I'm proud of you. Watching you out there was something else," Dad said into my ear. I gave him a quick squeeze and pulled away, sucking in a greedy breath as Mom casually draped her arm over my shoulders.

"You did very well," Mom congratulated and gave me a kind smile. I leaned against her and wrapped my arm around her waist. That was the only compliment I could remember her ever giving me. My eyes met Dimitri's over Lissa's shoulder as he approached. His congratulations were quick with a chaste kiss on the cheek and a bear hug, whispering how proud he was of me before ushering me out to my family.

"Rose did exceptionally. You as well, Castile. You did very well," Dimitri said as he came to a stop beside Lissa, a smile on his face. It wasn't often that he gave full smiles in public, but he had a reason to right now.

I smiled at him and nudged Eddie who stood beside me. He did do well, and I honestly thought he was going to be recognized as the best in our year, but he ranked second.

"You all did," Dad said. "I think this calls for a celebration."

I rolled my eyes and groaned. It felt like he had money burning in his pockets and he had to spend it.

"Dad," I whined, and I saw a smirk cross his face.

"Nope. We are celebrating. All of us," Dad said pointedly, turning to look at my friends and then to Dimitri. Dimitri nodded, making it clear that he understood that he didn't have a choice in the matter before bidding goodbye and heading off to a meeting.

I wiggled away from my parents and pulled Lissa along, chatting her up about the 'celebration' tonight that I was sure Dad would go overboard on.

"I'm coming, but Tasha just got onto campus. Do you think Christian and her could come? I'm sure Christian would like to come and congratulate you."

I frowned but nodded anyway. I may not have been a huge fan of Tasha because of her feelings for Dimitri, but I figured that it wouldn't hurt if there were other people there. Despite the awkward situation, she was Dimitri's friend and Christian was mine even if I didn't want to admit that.

I split off from Lissa and walked around campus, watching the stars as I went. The air was warm and still and I breathed the smell of the earth deeply. I loved it and loved the stillness of the grounds. I wandered further towards the edge of campus, coming to a stop at the lake. This place felt calm despite the terrors that happened here. So many things would have changed that night if the Mana hadn't done what they had done. The only good thing that happened that night was Dimitri and me, finally becoming one in mind and soul.

I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand, and I spun around only to have my hands caught and pulled forward roughly. The smirk on Dimitri's face was cocky and I narrowed my eyes at him.