There was a small group of three people who seemed to be having a heated discussion, so I avoided them.
I found Dominic sitting on a stone couch- okay; well I thought it was a stone couch. He got up when he saw me and walked over to where I was.
“Did you enjoy the bathroom?” As he asked his eyes glowed with excitement.
“Yes, it's awesome. It is so not something I would expect to be in a house- but then again, I've never been in a castle before.” I tried to hide my happiness in a snub about his family's flaunt of their wealth, but it didn't work.
“I am glad you like it. It took a lot of planning to create that safe haven, my bathroom is similar, but there is no real definition as the entire floor is the bath and we were able to create a small waterfall in it.” His was lost in thought about his creation.
I was utterly stunned. “Wait, how does it not flood the rest of the house? I mean shouldn't it overflow or something? And isn't that a HUGE waste of water?” I was curious about the creation and functioning aspects of it.
“Well, you see, mia bella, the water is just cycled through a filter before it heads back to the natural springs that have formed in our catacombs under this place. So, it never wastes the water, and it doesn't flood out because it is built like a natural spring. Whatever gets put in gets taken out in equal portions. Lei capisce? You understand?” His accent picked up just a bit.
“I sort of get it. Maybe you can show me the springs and catacombs? I really like that kind of stuff.” I couldn't believe I was making more plans to do stuff with him, but he was really the only person I could do stuff with.
“Yes, that would be nice. But we will have to do it in a few days, okay? Tomorrow will be filled with lots of people and eating, and I thought I could take you by boat back to the mainland the next day. I know your parents are attending to business on this trip and your grandparents are trying to spend some time “vacationing”, the two of them. So, that leaves me at your disposal. Before you get upset about it, I know you are Mike's girl, and my intentions are pure. I only want you to get to know the other parts of our life.” He smiled gently, as though the words about Mike hurt him.
I didn't like to see him in pain, which confused me. “Thank you, Dom. I am sure it will please both of our families if they see us together as well. So, I guess that makes you my guide.” I winked at him and instantly was rewarded with a genuine smile.
That was how the rest of the evening passed, until it was too late to stay up and too early to start the day. We ate and talked with everyone in the room. Dominic and I moved around the room together, trying our best to keep up the appearance that we seemed to silently decide on. My family was elated about the change in my decisions, even if it didn't change my feelings for anything. I guess the sheer thought of them getting what they wanted was good enough. I knew that this was ultimately a terrible idea and I would end up hurting someone I cared about, and probably myself as well, but that didn't seem to matter at this time. I called Mike briefly, but only got his voice-mail and I left him a message and told him about the pictures I was taking and that I would call again when I got a chance.
Dominic escorted me to my room so I wouldn't get lost, which I realized quickly that I would and I had no idea where anyone else was staying in this huge place. But I made it to bed safe and sound.
`The bed was as I had dreamed when I had seen it earlier and when I fell into it, I was absolutely sure that I would not be moving from it for anyone.
Chapter Five
When I awoke the next day it was to a light tapping at my door. My eyes felt strange like yesterday was all a weird dream and I really belonged here.
I stumbled out of the extra cush bed and got to the door. It took me a minute to figure out how to pull the latch on the door to unlock it, and I suddenly felt very stupid as I mumbled through the door about being another second.
When I got it open, Dominic stood on the other side of the door looking fully amused and very alert.
I grumbled and headed back for the bed. “What do you want?”
“Well, I thought that you would like something to eat and that you would like to get up before everyone gets here. It is about one and they should get here around three.” He walked over to the bed and placed a small tray with a cinnamon roll and a hot chocolate down.
“Mmm. That smells delicious, but I thought people weren't supposed to eat on days of huge meals here in Europe. What's in that cocoa?” My mouth was watering as I grabbed hold of the roll and bit off a piece that I followed to drown with the yummy hot chocolate.
“Um, the cinnamon roll has hazelnut in it, and the hot chocolate is a recipe that my parents picked up in a Mesoamerican study, or something,” he shrugged.
“And what are the rules on eating?” I asked as I stuffed more of the pastry into my waiting mouth.
“Eat as much as you want, when you want. The only other thing that you must learn will come later. But now, you eat and then you get ready to face an army of people you won't know. I was wondering, Emma, how you want to handle the questions that will be asked regarding us?” He looked down at his shoes as he rose from the corner of the bed he had occupied.
“Well, I hadn't thought about answering questions. I had only thought about appearances. I am not sure what to say. What do you think? And, are you sure that you want to do this?” I tried to convey all my hope that he wouldn't get hurt, but he should have a chance to back out.
“Emma Mary Hutchinson, when we were little kids I knew that you were the one that I was to be with forever, and I was sure then. When I saw you again at your birthday, I did not handle things well, but my feelings did not change- they have not. I know that I will probably end up hurt in the end, but we will think of something to do about it. And as for the questions that arise, perhaps we answer them as best we can … we can help each other. I am not going to leave you to get eaten by all those people. I will be there- if you want me.” The passion that filled his words as he spoke of his love for me fled him completely when he offered his company for the evening.
“Dominic, I am speechless about what you said. I wish that my family would have mentioned something to me. But they didn't. When I was small, Issy was my best friend and we thought it would be awesome if you and I got married because then we'd be sisters; but then you guys moved, and I was left alone and I never fit in. Mike was the first person that shunned the popular crowd to be with me. I have dreamed of him since you guys left. I don't know how to explain it … I feel like him and I are destined to be connected in some way. Does that make sense? You, of course, are very welcome to be my companion for the evening. I would be honored to have you with me.” I looked up into his intense eyes and blushed immensely.
“Emma, nothing is decided for you. Please remember that. You control what happens in your life. Carpe Diem. Things will become clear for you when it needs to be. I am willing to wait until things are certain for you. I am very patient as I told you before. And I do understand what you told me about the dream, I am sure that I have shared this dream with you both since we came to live here. I understand that now. We shall talk on this later. Now, you get ready and
I will come and fetch you when they begin to arrive.” His words flooded together and then he quickly got up and left the room.
“What?” I stared blankly at the spot where he had been leaning against the bed. He has shared the dream too? What does that mean? He isn't in the dream. I only know of Mike and me in it. Unless he is the voice that Mike hears. This is so confusing.
“Ugh!” I said out loud as I climbed out of the bed and went to get my outfit for the day. “Why does everything have to get more complex before it gets any easier or clearer?”
I dug through my bags until I found my black cotton shirt dress and my black tights. I grabbed my boots and headed for the bathroom. I stepped out of my pjs and got into the shower and slid under the waterfall, the experience is something I recommend highly to anyone. It was like having wate
r poured onto your body, but it lacked the brutality of a shower. It was heaven.
I got out and dressed, and I put my hair up in a simple bun, and did my makeup. When I came out of the bathroom, Dominic was sitting in the reading chair and he was staring blankly out into space. He turned when he heard the door slide aside for me to come out. He was wearing a light blue v-neck sweater and khaki pants. His hair was parted and fell comfortably this way. He rose as I walked into the room.
“What if I had come out naked?” I asked him as I put things away.
“I should only hope that you would lock the bedroom door if you intend to stroll around naked. Although I wouldn't suggest doing it through the castle tonight as we will have guests staying that might mistake you as a midnight snack.” He looked slightly animalistic.
“You know you didn't answer my question.” I walked up to him.
“Well, let's get this started.”
We walked out of my room and down the stairs. The entire downstairs area was filling with people.
“Who are all of these people? Where are we all going to sit?” I asked in a hushed voice of shock.
“Well, everyone from the island is basically family and the others are family or close friends. It is always like this on holidays. Just something you should know now.” He shrugged and I wasn't sure if he meant something by his implied words of me adjusting to this because it would be happening again.
I gripped his arm and threw us into the mix.
Dominic and I must have talked to everyone in the house by the time the dining bell was sounded. I was exhausted and desperately debating on going back to bed and skipping food, but my stomach growled unhappily at that thought. Dominic led me into a huge banquet hall that easily fit all the people and there was still plenty room for more. How does it hold all of these people? I was shocked at the sight of it as we took our seats with our families at the head table. They all smiled at us as we approached together.
I refused to drink any alcohol beverages in case something odd happened, but I ate until I was near popping. Dominic's dad made a speech about the happiness of having his entire family together on this lovely holiday for giving thanks and then my Dad made a similar speech. It all made me want to gag. Why are they so destined to unite these two families?
As I finished up my hot chocolate and the room started to clear out, I thought it was a good idea to try and head for my room – but, once again, I couldn't remember my way through the throngs of people we had talked to that had landed us in this room.
“Dominic, I hate to bother you, but could you please show me how to get back to my room? I am terribly tired,” I said as I stifled a yawn.
“Are you sure, Emma? There should be some sort of entertainment going on about now.” He looked at me with hopeful eyes.
“I'm sorry, but I am not used to all of this and I am sorry to say it has made me exhausted. You don't mind do you? I mean you can come back after you get me to my room.” I smiled at him in hopes of convincing him.
“You never have to convince me, mia bella. I will take you. And I will make sure you are comfortable before I continue to entertain my family's guests.” He smiled and took my hand.
“Good night, you guys,” I said to my family as I once again tried not to yawn.
“Night, Emma darling.” My grandfather returned with the mixture of “nights” from the rest of my family.
I heard them talking about the progress they had thought Dominic and I had made as we walked away, but I was too tired to care.
Dominic got me to my room and even helped me get my boots off. I crawled into the bed in my dress shirt and fell asleep. There was a gentle pressure to my head and then the words “mia bella” drifted around my sleepy mind.
I woke up the next day and felt like I never wanted to meet another person for the rest of my life. I knew that Dominic and I had successfully answered or avoided all the questions asked, and given off the impression that things were headed in the direction that everyone wanted. He never mentioned anything about the dream and I never asked. I wasn't sure how to approach the topic or even if I was ready to. Today was a different day, and I figured since he was already supposed to take me to the mainland, so I could do some site seeing, he could answer my questions there.
I got dressed quickly in jeans, an over sized sweatshirt, my boots, threw my hair into a messy bun, and I was ready to go. I went down the stairs, found my way to the breakfast area, and grabbed myself something to snack on as I searched for Dominic.
I walked through the rooms, wondering if I took a bunch of pictures of these rooms, would Mike really believe someone lived like this. They are so different- Mike and Dominic. How will we get passed the problems of our parents? Why does it feel so right here? Why did I come? I felt a cloud of depression begin to settle around me.
I walked into a room that was covered in wall to wall books and it looked to be modeled after some place in Rome. This is where I found Dominic.
“So, are we going out today or what?” I asked as I walked over to the couch he was lounging on.
He jumped. “Oh, Emma. You startled me. I was waiting to wake you until a bit later. It is still a bit cold, but if you are ready now then we shall go now.” Being in Italy had brought out his accent to a full roundness and it licked at everything he said.
“Yes, I am ready. I would like to see Castiglione della Pescaia today and have lunch somewhere in town. Perhaps we could drive back up to the other places too.” I smiled at him.
“Unfortunately, today we do not have a car we can take, but we have the boat and our legs. Wherever they can carry us we can go if you desire it.” He smiled back.
It took Dominic about half an hour to get ready and get us down to the boat. I was frightened, of course, as the thing looked like it would tip over at any moment. But he assured me that it was safe. I walked to the edge of the wooden dock and put my foot on the edge of the white sail boat. It wasn't a very large one, something for two or three people. The mainsail was absolutely lovely with the sun breaking through the clouds and hitting it dead on. It was as though the heavens were highlighting it. Dominic got in, helped me in, got back out and untied the aft and stern cleat knots, and then pushed off from the dock and jumped in. I thought he would surely fall, crack his head open, and die right there- but he didn't, and landed perfectly where he wanted. I talked as he got us situated to set sail over to the main land.
“The water here is very pretty. It's like unpolished emeralds and then when the sun hits it, it sparkles like a highly refined emerald.” I stuck my fingers in the water- Man that is cold!
“I am glad you like it,” he said as he adjusted the mainsail with some wench.
“Dom. I was wondering if you would tell me how you know about the dream that Mike and I share.” I looked up from the sea and over at him.
“Emma, it is hard to explain something that you are trying to understand yourself.” He looked at me with pleading eyes.
I pouted and looked away.
“Okay, let me try to make it comprehensible for you. When we moved from your town to Italy, I began getting this strange dream … but it was like I was watching a film. I heard my voice but I could not see my body. There were many times when I would wake and feel as though you were right there with me. I talked to many people about it and they explained it as the connection that the truest loves share in our kind. Just as I call to you in the dream, Mike has his soul mate call to him. The problem is that you two found each other before anyone talked to you about your own kind. The dream is connected to you and him because he is meant to push you toward your people, but he also wants to fight it because he does not want to lose you. You see, Emma, you are a very important person within our kind. I guess I am making a mess of it more so now. But I have had your shared dream because it is I who have called to you and it is Mike that has unknowingly pushed you toward the call.” His brow furrowed and he checked his work once more.
“I really want to know
about our kind. Why am I not allowed to know? Why the devil am I important? You're right, I feel more confused now,” I sighed.
“I desperately want to tell you about your kind, but I am sworn not to. Especially after your birthday. Apparently, I could have upset the traditions that have taken place for thousands and thousands of years on that very night. Bastards, should tell you. Che casino! Che bordello!
Stupid cafones! They should bloody well tell you! If I hadn't sworn, then I would. They told me that you cannot know because of the life that you live in your town amongst the other kind and townspeople. I believe that they are afraid that something bad will happen. I am sorry I cannot tell you more. But, please know that you are terribly important to all of us. There is even a prophecy about you.” His intensity was like looking into the sun- utterly blinding.
We fell into silence. I didn't know how to respond to that. I mean a freaking prophecy! How do you respond to that? Why the heck would there be a prophecy about me? I'm so plain.
I watched the water lap at the side of the boat and wished for some thoughts that made sense.
When we reached Castiglione della Pescaia it was midday. The sun had come out from behind its cloud covering, I snapped pictures of the sea from the shore and the view from the docks- in hopes of capturing the beauty.
Dominic led me around the town, telling me interesting little factoids that helped me feel a little more comfortable. But I couldn't focus on what I had so wanted to see. The beautiful red tops of the houses where like a sea of red jelly beans. We walked over to the fishery and it was interesting to see the outside, even if we couldn't go inside.
All the little homes were so close to the other houses that it was like I was going to get crushed by the towering house next to me when we walked down the narrow streets. It was quite frightening.
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