Ivan is driving the car for like 15 minutes being honest I am enjoying the slightly cold breeze touching my face, and closed my eyes.. This is what I love the most.. this calm and peace.. For few moments I forgot about everyone... the things I have just learnt has messed up my mind I have no idea what I am going to do now.. I love people around me.. Sarah and Ivan.. this atmosphere.. University.. It's not just about Bartholys.. I want everyone in my life.. The more I think about it the more I feel depressed so I leave these things and enjoyed the breeze suddenly Ivan stopped the car.
Ivan: "Come."
He opened my side of door and showed me the surroundings...
There's no one.. It's like a long area filled with greeny and flowers with just one tree at it's middle having a Tyre tied to the trunk through a rope making it a swing..
I smiled.
Me: "Woah.. Thats a peaceful place.. Why no one is there?"
Ivan: "Since Mystery Spell is a small town there are very few places unknown to others.. And I take full advantage of mine one."
He winked at me.
Ivan: "Well I found it two years ago when I first came here.. There was this tree and I made this swing.."
Me: "Hmm."
I watched the swing, putting my hand on the rope bounded with the tyre. And sat on the swing moving my foot so it will start swinging but on a slow motion.
Me: "For how long have you been here?"
Ivan: "I just told you two years... Well Almost two."
I nodded my head.. We remained quiet for a few minutes enjoying the breeze that touches our face.
Me: "I'm sorry I yelled at you... I guess I'm just getting crazy."
I couldn't see his face but knowing him I was sured that he must be smiling.
Ivan: "I like you being crazy.. At least you tell the problem then."
Me: "I know.. I have this stupid crazy habit of hiding the main problem.. Even I don't know why I do it. But you can ask me I'll try to be honest."
I turned my face to wink at him.
Ivan: "So what happened with Chris then?"
I turned to face him.
Me: "That's a close topic now.. He told me maybe about a day ago that he's leaving.. But I didn't see off him so I can't tell exactly.."
Ivan: "These last days.. They were really something."
I raised both my eyebrows letting a sigh.
(And what about the next one?)
Me: "What I think is things get worse when you can't tell others the main thing."
Ivan nodded without saying anything.
Me: "But I didn't want to create a scene.. I thought he'll get on the topic I'll refuse him.."
I chuckled at my thought followed by Ivan.
Ivan: "Well at the end it's all settled."
Me: "Ivan?"
Ivan: "Huh?"
Me: "Do you also hate Bartholys because they are Victors son?"
Ivan replied my question with a sneered.
Ivan: "Do you think I do?"
Me: "It doesn't seem so but you aren't friends with them either."
Ivan: "Well because I don't share their interest or they don't mine.. And it has nothing to do with Victor."
Me: "And what about Sarah..?"
Ivan: "I don't speak for her.. But she doesn't actually know them.. She thinks they are like their father or at least support him."
Me: "And what do you think?"
Ivan: "Nothing yet.. For now they are just bunch of Harmless Vampires trying to mingle with crowd.. But even you can't deny it's like not possible given their nature."
Me: "What if I were also daughter of Victor?"
Ivan: "We would've still be friends.. Well that would've depended on you."
Me: "What do you mean by that?"
Ivan: "Well.. Victor certainly doesn't like us.. So Bartholy's follow this ritual.."
Me: "Oh.."
Ivan: "When you ask about me... I don't care.. I'm a free bird."
He said with a smile and of relaxation.
Ivan: "And being honest.. You are too."
Me: "Me?"
Ivan: "Of course.. Like.. Why do you care about family conflicts? It's not like Bartholy's could forbid you or either Osborn's."
Me: "Well maybe because it's not about them.."
Ivan: "Whatever it is.. I will support you.. No matter."
Only if you know.. I scratched my forehead.. Should I tell them.. Btu still let's just go at manor.. Rest for a few days and then think because I am certainly in no position to decide...
Me: "This place is good."
Ivan: "Yeah.."
Me: "I'm gonna come here again."
Ivan: "Why don't we come here at weekend? You me and Sarah.. Perfect."
Me: "I'll think about it.. But let's go for now. I'm getting late."
Ivan: "I thought we're gonna talk for hour."
I chuckled.
Me: "Lovely idea.. But I feel sleepy."
Ivan: "At this time?"
Me: "Yeah..."
Ivan stopped pushing the swing and and stood up in an active posture.
Ivan: "Okay.. Let's go."
Me: "And thanks."
Ivan dropped me to the manor.. I saw Nicolae standing at the door with Lorie... For a moment I thought where are they going but then I saw few bags in Lorie's hands.... Then Ivan stopped the car, I picked my bag from the car.. He also got out.. Which I didn't understand why he could've just walk away with his car..
Nicolae: "Hello Hope."
Me: "hey Nicolae."
I replied him with a smile.
Ivan: "Hello Mr.Bartholy."
Ivan extended his hand, which Nicolae accepted generously.. A bit shocked to see him friendly towards him.. I got it.. He's showing me that he doesn't has any problem with Bartholys'... Sometimes I wonder why does he care for my thoughts too much..
Nicolae: "Nice meeting you.."
To cut the tension short I asked right away.
Me: "Were you guys away??"
Nicolae: "I had taken Lorie out to have some time with her."
Ivan: "Okay.. So you're at manor's door safe an secure, then I can take my leave."
I chuckled at his words and so as Nicolae..
Nicolae: "Peter told me that you were at Sarah."
Me: "Yeah we had to study for our upcoming exams."
Ivan: "Good that Hope was there, because I and Sarah sucks at History."
(Why is he doing that? Okay I asked you about it but not that much friendly.)
Nicolae: "I had brought something for dinner, Ivan feel free to join us."
He invited him turning at him waiting for his response.
(Huh?)
Ivan shrugged his shoulders, a smile appeared on his face. He looked at me but I continue with my neutral face... I'm don't wanna be bossy.. If he wants to come he's all welcome.
Ivan: "Of course, besides I'm starving."
Nicolae: "Okay. Come with us."
He nodded his head and we all continue our way to manor... I was having strange feelings and questions.. Like why is Nicolae inviting him at the manor? As long as I remember they don't like people roaming in the manor to avoid any doubts but maybe Ivan already knows about them so maybe there's no point avoiding him?
Drogo: "Well I don't mind getting failed and enroll again."
Peter: "You may want to think about that again.. knowing that your little G.i.r.l f.r..."
They must've heard our footsteps because Peter abruptly got quiet and turned towards us followed by the gaze of Drogo.. Meeting his eyes I feel sudden butterflies in my stomach and gave my best smile.. They both stood up of course a little surprise to see Ivan with us..
Ivan: "Hello guys."
Peter: "Hey.. Ivan."
Drogo: "Mind telling us how did you forget your way to home."
Nicolae: "I invited him, he had came to drop Hope. I thought it would be better if he could join us to dinner."
Drogo: "Can't he eat by his own."
Nicolae: "Drogo.."
Nicolae glared Drogo with clenched teeth.. Well I knew something like that would happen...
Peter: "Welcome."
Peter welcomed Ivan with his little smile.
Peter: "Let's serve the dinner then."
Ivan: "We'll help."
Ivan offered glancing at me.
Drogo: "It's just a matter of two plates.. How many hands do we need."
(He's got a point.)
Me: "We'll sit then.. Come."
I slightly push Ivan towards the dining as he moved forward I turned at Drogo.
Me: "You joining us?"
Drogo: "As if I'm going to leave you with Easton."
Drogo replied with an annoyed look on which I chuckled.
Me: "You should trust me more often."
Drogo: "It's not about trust."
He replied me with firm attitude I knew his he's gonna say that... Without wasting a minute I teased him.
Me: "Oooh I thought only we girls have this jealously problem."
Realizing he has clearly showed it he just turned to join Ivan at dining but I grabbed his arm and came forward to whisper in his ear.
Me: "But I like guys who gets easily jealous.. That makes us even."
Drogo: "I'm not jealous."
Me: "Yeah.. Keep telling yourself that."
Ivan: "Are you going to leave your guest alone."
I heard Ivan, I move my head to see him standing at the door..... relying his weight on the wall in a side pose.
Me: "I was coming right through."
I looked at Drogo in front of me.
Me: "Move.. You're in my way."
Arching an eyebrow, folding my arms I fake an attitude.. Drogo tilted his head and whispered in my ear.
Drogo: "I see you're being so challenging lately you do need a good lessons Little Thing."
(Lesson.)
I gasped realizing I wasted another day and did no study and here my exams are on my head.
Me: "Oh no."
(Damn I totally forgot about studying!)
Drogo: "What?"
Me: "Nothing... Hehe"
I fake a chuckle... To fake for my taste.
Me: "Come."
I took him by his arm and marched towards the dining room, Ivan and Drogo both took a seat opposite to each other, Nicolae usually takes the center one.. And as for Peter I'm sure he'll sit beside his brother.. So I took a seat beside Ivan.. getting another glare from Drogo.. And shrugged my shoulders.
From the other side came Nicolae and Peter bringing us our dinner and sat on their positions as I thought.. We started our dinner with an awkward silence, I glance Drogo staring at me.. I slightly blushed narrowing my eyes form him, then Ivan suddenly started a conversation.
Ivan: "Are you guys going to the party next weekend."
Me: "No."
Ivan: "Why?"
Me: "I plan to study for exams."
Peter: "Same."
Ivan turned towards me.
Ivan: "I think we studied enough today."
I glared at him from the corner of my eye.
Ivan: "Besides I said next Weekend you still have pretty much time to decide."
Me: "They're boring..So I don't intend to give it thought."
Drogo: "But as I remember you enjoyed dancing last time."
(Why are they after me?)
I made a scowling face at Drogo who smirked proud of his lame joke.
Ivan: "When did that happen?"
He asked turning at me,
Me: "Well if someone wasn't trapped between girls he would've known it too."
Ivan: "I didn't did that on purpose.. I mean I can't help if I am irresistible."
We all laughed.. including I Peter Drogo Nicolae...
Ivan: "What?"
I laughed again on his face.. He made a scowling face folding his arms around his chest in annoyance... Just like Lorie... It made me laugh even more.
Ivan: "I think you're forgetting I still have those important lectures to give you."
I gasped realizing his threat.. Gosh I'll kill that man,
Me: "Who said you're resistable... You're a charming man."
I fake his compliment pulling his cheeks lightly.
Me: "Well what's that party for?"
Ivan: "Well for nothing.. Maybe last enjoyment before exams."
Me: "Who's throwing it?"
Ivan: "Loan and Samantha.. Well they're good at throwing parties I must say."
(Samantha)
I stopped my meal and abruptly turned towards him.
Me: "Seriously?"
Ivan: "What?"
Me: "Are you seriously thinking that I'll go to their party.. They're just a bunch of stupid students."
Ivan: "Well no one cares about that.. A party is a party after all."
I shrugged my shoulder without further continuing this topic.
Me: "Tell me how prepared are you for this exam."
Ivan: "I don't prepare for exams neither I like that subject."
Me: "Now, if you get higher scores in results believe me we'll see then."
Ivan chuckled at my statement, rolling his head.
Ivan left the manor after finishing his dinner, as soon as he left I washed the dishes and made my way to my room, Lorie was happy with her toys and all, I was thinking about talking to Nicolae in a next few days about my studies and Lorie.. I know he will be understanding that I need to give some of my time to studies.. I was feeling too tired to open my bag and read my note books... The whole day was tiring.. University then Lorie then Professor Jones without a break it was tiring..
(Maybe I could rest for a while then I'll study right?)
No, bad idea.. I finally opened one of my note book but couldn't make my brain up for the task.. I needed sometime alone to think about the upcoming possibilities.. No doubt the dinner and a little talk with Ivan calmed my thoughts down but it doesn't ease the situation.
I shook my head with it's full power and looked at the book.. It's Maths
(Okay practice it, memorize the formulae you can do it Hope.. You've been a warrior and a perfect Student don't let this cruel thing take that from you!)
I mentally prepared myself for studying it and I heard a knock at the door.
Even God doesn't want me to pressurize myself with studies..
(Is it a God message of a trick of Devil)
If it's Drogo then God and if it's Lorie then devil... I laughed in myself for the strange humour popping up in my mind, then I heard a knock again..
Me: "COMING!"
(Opps. I almost like yelled it)
The door opened revealing Drogo coming in.. I instantly smiled looking at him whereas when he looked at those books surrounding me he seemed a bit of shocked but then regaining his attitude he tried to mocked me.
Drogo: "Someone is being way too serious about her exams.. Right Little Thing."
I lightly blushed at his given name Little Thing.. What's happening with me why am I blushing on that.. Wait... He is thinking I spent my evening studying.. I wish I could tell him the truth.. Suddenly the feeling of guilt and shame started to overwhelm me but I freed myself from the feeling and without giving it a second thought I continue our sweet conversation..
Me: "Not my fault... You know I didn't give any time to studies these last weeks."
Drogo: "I don't do the J thing Little Thing but I think if there's something I should give this feeling too, is your books and not a human."
I chuckled at his statement... He came up to my bed and I made some place for him to sit on the mattress he gave another glance to my books.
Drogo: "Had you asked Nicolae to invite Ivan at dinner?"
He asked that question without giving any expression as if it doesn't matter to him..
Me: "No .. Nicolae did it himself.."
Drogo: "Strange he doesn't do these things.."
I raised my eyebrows asking about these things.
Drogo: "Like inviting someone at home.. On the contrary he's the one who forbids us."
For now they are just bunch of Harmless Vampires trying to mingle with crowd
That review of Ivan about Bartholy crossed my mind.. I shrugged my shoulders.
Me: "Well to me it sounded LiKE Nicolae.. I think he just wants to.. you know.. show like living here like normal rich people so I think that was part of his job... Or maybe... He just did that without any purpose."
Drogo just stared me without any reply..
Me: "But it's good it doesn't matter to us right? Like we can talk about ourselves right?"
He smiled making himself more comfortable on the bed ready to talk more.
Drogo: "You said you want to see me at noon... And you're completely free."
Me: "Oh God!"
I realized with Lorie and then with Professor I completely forgot about it.
Me: "Well nature played a good trick with me and see I got hell of busy just today when I was sure of myself."
Drogo: "Yeah.. Little Thing had Big works today."
I smiled..
Me: "What did you do?"
Drogo: "I just roamed around Mystery Spell and nothing special."
Me: "Aren't you going to study for exams?"
Drogo: "Boring Stuff... As if Nicolae isn't enough for the Professor role."
I laughed heartily at his statement.. I saw him staring at me I regain my composure back and continued.
ME: "Well on the other hand.. I'm totally trapped.."
Drogo: "Leave these things and just stay with me then."
I was taken aback by his statement at first.. IT was like all of a sudden.. It's not THAT easy to leave studies.
Me: "I can't do that.. Like – I shrugged my shoulder—I'm fond of learning and studying, what you people call nerds."
Drogo: "Only if I knew nerds are that pleasing I would've stolen you from your hometown."
(HomeTown..)
I wanted to say something about Father but I couldn't made myself for it.. It's been more than a year that they've left me but still I can't make myself to even mention them.. Deep down I want to talk about them but I'm afraid I'll cry and ruin the especial moment... Come on.. Just say something.. I can't run from that topic forever..
Me: "Father wouldn't have let you do that."
Without giving any eye contact I just uttered that as if it's normal for me..
Drogo: "You never tell about them.. But I know you idealize him.. I want to know more about your parents'"
I looked at his eyes.. HE isn't lying to impress me, I just lean towards his cheeks and kissed on his left cheek, and whispered in his ear.
Me: "Any other time."
I returned at my first position and stared at the sky from the window which had started to get dark.. He remained there without making any move just staring at me.. We didn't utter any word for next few minutes but the feeling of having him beside me somehow satisfies me.. I feel content and relaxed at his presence I wish he feels the same way.. After memorizing few formuale I asked him in in annoyance.
Me: "I don't know how I'm gonna complete all this in a month... Oh Damn I also have other subjects too."
I hit my forehead with my hand realizing the problem.
"I am soo gone!"
Drogo: "A month is a fine time.. Your friends can also help you with that."
I nodded my head biting my fingers..
Me: "I don't know what's gotten into me.. I don't want to study like.."
I paused for a few seconds.. thinking what I actually want.
Me: "Like.. I want a break with this.."
I started packing my bag.
Drogo: "What are you doing?"
Me: "I'll start from tomorrow.. And from tomorrow I'll give it a full focus.."
Drogo smirked playfully and helped me packing my things.
Drogo: "So what are you going to do tonight?"
I replied him playfully acting innocent.
Me: "Nothing that includes you."
I chuckled at my statement.. But then I realized maybe I shouldn't have said that.. What if he minds it? I mean it's just the beginning.
Drogo: "Touche."
Me: "So tell me.. Does the sun burns you?"
Drogo raised his eyebrow understanding my next topic.
Drogo: "We prefer it cold but we don't turn into ashes on sunlight."
ME: "And what do you taste when you.. you know eat our food?"
Drogo: "Disgusting.."
ME: "thats sad."
Drogo shrugged his shoulders.
Drogo: "It's not a hidden fact that Vampires feed on blood."
Me: "Sooo... Do you guys.. actually take humans and drink on them?"
Drogo: "Only if it was real but no.. Nicolae loves human too much to let us take a bite."
(He's kidding right?)
Me: "Otherwise?"
Drogo: "Well other Vampires it's on them.. Feed on humans or Animals.. But human blood is something that drives us crazy."
ME: "Ahahaha."
I gave him a slight fake chuckle trying to hide my uneasiness. Suddenly the idea of eternity seemed longed to me.. This crazy man will drink me someday.
He leaned closer to me
Drogo: But don't worry Little Thing.. I won't let anyone have you."
Me: "What about yourself?"
It slipped from my mouth right away...
Drogo: "I don't have much of a choice... I've been Bewitched."
I instantly smiled blushing and lowering my head.. How much I love him complimenting me.. I never thought that these compliments could've make me feel better.. But with Drogo it's completely different.
Me: "Okay I still have more to ask.. Ummm... Soo it's hard to believe you people don't EVER drink human blood.. Even I'm a human.. but I can understand."
Drogo: "We have a deal with BloodBank Employee.."
I nodded my head.
Me: "It means I don't have my donate my blood to bloodbank anymore.."
I sneered at my reply and he smiled.
Me: "And those.. Those things.. Vampiress can flu turned in a bat.. feeds on only virgins.. That Garlic, and all."
Drogo: "They're real."
Me: "REALLY?"
I don't think I even tried to hide my surprise.
Drogo: "As real as Witches are old aged, long nose, curved Hat women.. Relying on their Wand of Magic and a pot"
I laughed heartily at his reply and hid my face in my palms while laughing.. Drogo is soo full with himself.. I saw him staring at me looking a bit excited.. I regain myself again.. Instinctively I traced my nose with my finger and then passed my hand on my head...
I heard a knock at door and moved to open it.. I saw Nicolae standing outside he came in facing Drogo.
Nicolae: "I was searching for you.. Didn't think I will find you here."
I became a bit uncomfortable with his statement but I give no reply waiting for Drogo to explain the situation.
Drogo: "As you know dear Brother our exams are near.. I was just studying with Hope."
Nicolae looked backed at me and I shrugged my shoulder nodding my head,
Nicolae: "Come at dining I'm waiting for you.. Best of Luck for your exams Hope."
He nodded at me and left the room. I looked last time at Drogo.. He came towards me.
Drogo: "With your permission Little Thing."
Me: "Go your brother is waiting for you."
Drogo: "But I'm not finished yet."
I chuckled at him and pushed him a little he let me do that and left my room