I felt a pull at my heart. I ate to try and stay awake. Grandpa sat next to me and tried to find the right way to fix my problem, but even he couldn't think of anything. He merely told me that all things work themselves out, eventually. I didn't find that too comforting.
When we got to the plane, I asked if I could lie down in the bed because I was so tired from staying up. Everyone said it would be fine. My dad told me that we wouldn't have to get fuel today, but he promised to take me to New York soon. I didn't care. I wanted to sleep and I did. I slept until we landed back at the airport by our house. There is no black sports car to take me home.
I got off the plane and found Mike waiting to take me home. Grandpa said that he would take my bags for me.
“How did you know when I'd be home?” I blushed. He is so handsome.
“To be quite honest, I had a little help. Dominic called me and told me. It was really nice of the guy.” He smiled and pulled me onto his bike.
I put the helmet on to cover my frown. Why would he call? Surely he knew that I would be missing him? I didn't understand him.
When we got back to my house, we sat outside on the steps. It was awkward and I still wasn't sure how to talk to Mike.
“So … how is Acacia?” I asked, trying to be pleasant.
“Oh, she's fine. Excited about Monday,” he said, absently.
“So, are we still going to do stuff this break?” I wasn't sure what we were at this point.
“Em, you're my girl. I told ya we'd do stuff. So, whatcha thinking?” He smiled.
“But what about Acacia? I thought you weren't sure. How can I still be your girl and you be her guy at the same time? I don't understand.” I looked away from him.
“Emma. Yes, she is my betrothed, but I don't know her. She isn't you. I mean, I thought you would understand because of the whole Dominic thing. Was I wrong?” His brow furrowed.
“Yes. I mean no. I mean I've known Dom since I was a little girl. This sounds like the first time you have met her and you are smitten with her.” I sighed.
“I've known her for months actually. But that is beside the point. It doesn't change our plans for break … what do you want to do? I was thinking we could go to the movies a few times. I know you'll have family over for Christmas, but maybe the day after?” He looked at me.
Maybe it doesn't make a difference to you, but it does to me. Why can't I just tell him? He is being a jerk and cruel. It is so unlike him. I wanted to cry. “Yeah, that sounds good. I was thinking we could watch the comet too, maybe go on a hike, or explore the mine or graveyard?” I had thought about these things a lot before I left, so it was easy to say to him.
“Okay. It's a date then.” He got up and kissed my cheek. It felt warm, but I felt cold inside. My family pulled up.
“I've got to get back to the house. My extended family is still here. Love ya, Em. See ya on Monday,” he said as he walked toward his bike.
I waved and he left- then I cried. I felt more confused than before. This wasn't the Mike I had left behind. Who is he? It made it worse that I knew Monday would be Hell.
I went inside and ate some ice cream while the car got unpacked. Man, I miss gelato.
When I finished I went upstairs and unpacked my clothes. I sat in my room the rest of the day, holding my crystal and reading Dracula.
Chapter Seven
I was in my usual dream when I heard my name. Emma …
I awoke with a start and it was still dark outside. I thought it must be the middle of the night- the clock told me it was six thirty in the morning. Best get up, so I'm not late.
I knew I'd have catching up to do this week because of my extended holiday. I heard the loud crack and understood why it was so dark; a lightning storm. Great sign for the day.
I dressed in black clothes, pulled my hair into a messy bun, and didn't bother to put on any makeup.
I found the kitchen empty and it made me think of Dominic cooking for me. Maybe I should check my email. Trying to be slick, I had left my email address in his library. I grabbed a bowl of a sugary cereal and went back up to my room. It took a minute for the dang thing to fire up, so I stared at it as I chewed my breakfast very deliberately.
I logged on as soon as everything had loaded. His email address stood out like a beacon of light on that dark day. I also noticed there wasn't any from Mike.
Mia Bella, Emma.
Today I start negotiations with a few of the common cities for us- Paris, London, Berlin, Dublin, Moscow, Madrid, and Bern. I can only hope that all goes as planned. If so then it should only take two more days to go over the building plans. Abner sends his best to you. The house felt strange to be so empty now perhaps it is just empty without you. I hope you are not angry with me for calling Michael. I knew the trip would be hard on you and I wanted you to have a familiar face there to collect you. I do miss you though. I even miss your dull town.
Well, it is time for me to sleep, but I knew you'd get this today. I will write after the meeting tomorrow. Have a pleasant day. If you get angry- remember our kiss.
With love,
Dom.
I blushed as I read the last lines. I decided to write him back.
Dear Dom,
I'm not upset with you. I did appreciate Mike being there, he seemed different to me. His voice and manner of speech were different. Ah! There is a lightning storm going on this morning. It's very pretty. I'm sorry you're missing it. Perhaps there will be another when you get back. I hope all goes well with your meeting. I really loved Bella Notte. I don't want to go to school- I don't want to see Acacia and Mike and know that she is the reason for his change. I know I sound silly, ignore me. Let me know how everything goes.
Em.
I went to school after that. I didn't want to put it off any longer. I needed to face this storm head on and even the weather was egging me on. I realized today would be a full day- without me being a baby as well.
I got to school late and felt silly for taking the time to check my mail.
When I got to class Mike was there, and sitting in my chair was a beautiful creature. I sighed. That must be her. She's beautiful. Her skin held an olive complexion, her hair was like a river of flowing chestnut with glowing strands of beads, and her eyes were a mouthwatering chocolate brown. She fit well next to Mike with his coloring. A perfect match. I was instantly jealous- her frame was well formed and her features were imp-like. Why is she in my chair?
I trudged to sit in the last available seat- dead center in the front. I caught Mike's eye and he smiled apologetically. She looked at me with disdain and her gorgeous face was smug. Surely it wasn't done intentionally?
That was how the day passed- me feeling left out and Acacia looking like she was winning some game I wasn't aware we were playing. I felt completely defeated by lunch time. Mike hadn't said much to me, she occupied most of his time with endless chatter. I even found out that she was in every class with him. What kind of girl takes shop?
She was cordial to me when Mike was looking, but the rest of the time she was evil. I couldn't understand what I had done to make her dislike me- I could only guess that it was because I was the competition- even if it didn't seem like there could be any winner but her. Why doesn't Dom act like that toward Mike?
At lunch we sat at a table in the cafeteria. I was thankful that he didn't take her to our deli. There were lots of stares, I felt like I was stuck in some freak show. It wasn't until Kelly came over that I knew it was really an alternate dimension.
“Hey, Emma. How are you doing?” She eyed Acacia suspiciously.
“I've been better,” I admitted quietly.
“I believe it. How was Italy?” She smiled encouragingly, all the while casting the evil eye at my companions.
“Kelly, why are you here?” I couldn't resist the question circling in my head. Why is Kelly talking to me?
“I assume you don't mean in a philosophical sense? To be honest, you looked like you needed a friend. Perhaps someon
e to help you get your Mike back- unless you've found greener pastures?” She raised a singular blonde brow and smirked. She means Dom. Ugh. Should I accept the help? I felt desperate.
“How can you help, Kelly? Mike doesn't really like you. Hell, I was sure you didn't like me! And I know Acacia doesn't know you,” I grumbled. This is low.
“I never disliked you- I thought he told you. You're different, Emma. I can't explain you. I want to help. No catch. Just as a friend. And I promise Acacia wants to know me. Call it a perk if she does. I'm the most popular girl and she wants to alienate you- she'll need me.” She winked at me as I stared at her with my mouth open.
“You're a genius. So what's the plan, Stan?” Perhaps I had been wrong about her.
“Trust me and go along with what I do. I'm sorry in advance,” she whispered.
“For what...” I didn't finish before I found out.
“God, Emma. You are such a freak!” She rolled her eyes and tossed her beautiful blonde locks behind her. Mike and Acacia took notice right away. Mike looked angry, but I could see the hope behind Acacia's eyes.
“Whatever,” I mumbled trying to sound indifferent.
“How can you even sit here, you know you're not one of us.” She practically spit at me. Damn she's good.
I let shock color my face.
“Now wait one second, Kelly … who are you to tell Emma …” Mike was cut off.
“Oh shut up, O' Shanold. You're no better than she is. And you're dragging the new girl down too!” She scoffed, turned her head toward me, winked, and walked up to Acacia.
“I'm Kelly. You really don't want to hang out with these people. How about you come join us for the rest of lunch?” she purred perfectly.
Really good. Mike stared in shock.
“Um, Mike is a friend. But I am sure he wouldn't mind joining us?” Acacia cooed. She's like my personal Hell on wheels.
“Actually I do. But go ahead.” I could feel the anger coming off of him as he slid closer to me.
“Okay. I'll see ya later, Mike.” She batted her lashes at him.
Stupid evil guttersnipe!
“Emma, I'm really sorry for today. I was trying to help Acacia get a feel for things- apparently her kind of things aren't mine.” He sneered at Kelly's table, while I was secretly thanking all the mystical beings for putting her into my life. Thank you!
“I understand Mike- next time though- I get my seat.” I smiled at him.
“Agreed. Look, I know lunch is almost over, but how about we leave early and go get dinner?”
I could tell in his eyes that he meant it. Why are the heavens against me? Just when I win a victory- ugh!
“Sorry, Mike, I can't. I've got a week's worth of work to catch up on, which includes staying after today, through Friday.” I sighed.
“That's not a problem. Tomorrow, we'll- as in you and I- will go to the deli for lunch.” He grinned at me. God, I've missed that.
I inhaled. What's that smell? He isn't... I sniffed again and narrowed my eyes at him.
“Uh oh, what did I do now?” He looked worried.
“Are you wearing cologne?” My voice was venomously sharp with contempt.
“Oh. Yeah. Why?” He was confused.
“Why?” I raised my brow and narrowed my eyes.
“Mom bought me some. I thought I'd surprise you- duh! But perhaps I was wrong.” His voice faltered.
I blushed. He's wearing it for me …
Lunch ended and I felt the blush still on my face. As I walked toward the drab senior building, I saw Kelly, smiled, and then mouthed 'thank you'. She waved it off and continued on her way to Gym as she toted Acacia along with her.
I was about to pull open the evil dungeon doors when a pair of arms closed around me and turned me around so quickly that everything blurred. I knew it was him even before he planted the kiss on me. I sighed. He still loves me best. I watched Mike run off toward the gym. I smiled and stumbled into the building- my thoughts were lost.
I saw Mike after school and he kissed me bye before I had to report to Mr. Fitzgerald. I found that working on English was decidedly harder when you'd rather be out with Mike. I also encountered the problem of when I thought of Mike, I decided I shouldn't have gone to Italy and when I thought of Italy, I thought of Dominic. Somewhere amongst my daydream of Dominic's beautiful pale skin next to mine on the plane to Italy- I realized it was time to go.
I raced home, ignoring all traffic laws as my greatest desire was to check to see if I had an email. My recklessness was highly rewarded.
Dear Emma.
I have bad news. My time away will take longer due to a need of further discussions. I am sorry to hear that this girl has created such worry in you. I am sure you truly have nothing to worry about.
You are you after all- no one can compare. Perhaps your Mike is nervous that you have fallen in love with me during your time in Italy- which of course is silly. So do not worry, I am sure he'll come around. I would love to see your lightning storm, I can only hope I will get to see one while I am with you. I miss you even more knowing that I can't hear your voice. I hope that these meetings end quickly.
With too much love,
Dom.
My face was flushed when I finished reading the email. I found that I really missed him as well, even if he was as stubborn as I was. Emma, you shouldn't think of him. You're getting things back to normal with Mike. Dominic is nothing. My brain was shouting at me as I was stuck in a reverie of the kiss that I'd shared with Dom.
“I am so confused!” I shouted at the laptop.
Right, like it's going to help.
I didn't know what to write. I couldn't tell him how confused I was, or about my horrid day. When I was in Italy he was my confidant. But here, in my normal world, I couldn't see myself talking like that. I suddenly realized that I couldn't talk to Mike either- I was alone.
I wrote back to Dominic with shaking fingers and sweaty palms. Something is clearly wrong with me.
Dom.
I'm sorry things didn't go as planned. I'm sure they'll work out. Oh, tell Abner that I said 'Thank You,' if you don't mind. Today started rough, but was okay in the end. Well, I have to do some catch up work now. I guess I'll talk to you later.
Emma.
It was short and I knew if he really knew me that well he would see through my attempt to distance myself. I had to fight the desire to call Italy- my best defense was that I didn't know if he'd be there. That was how my day ended- a constant battle between Mike and Dom in my head.
I spent the next days and following week trying to get back into the flow of things. Mike talked animatedly to me in the classes we shared as Acacia glowered at me from her place with Kelly. Kelly helped to keep her busy at lunch so we could go to the deli. I knew that Mike spent his time in his other classes chatting and flirting with her- a little blonde bird kept me well informed. I didn't hear much from Dom, which hurt some. He only let me know how the plans were going and I only replied accordingly. I knew it was stupid, but I wanted normal back- even if I had to lie to myself about caring for Dom.
When I wasn't in class I was still working on catching up. I had no spare time- meaning Acacia had the weekends and evenings with Mike. But I survived.
The week before break, I finished everything by Wednesday after school. I got to leave earlier than before and I was so excited. That was until I realized I had nothing to do. I knew if I called Mike he'd be with her, and it was still hard for me to deal with, so I went home and sat in my room deciding what to do. I checked my email out of habit and felt my heart skip a beat as I saw Dominic had written me. Stupid heart. I clicked on the title; 'A Surprise.'
Mia Bella.
God it feels like ages since I have allowed myself the pleasure of addressing you as such. I find myself in good spirits and could only think of you to celebrate with. All of the deals are done and the Bella Notte clubs will begin construction after Christmas. As a result, I will be returning to your quiet haven
that you have hidden yourself in. I know that you want distance here between us. It is too hard for me. I tried to endure but you are my beloved. I know I am not yours, but I can wait … forever if need be. Perhaps, one day, you will be mine. I am sorry for sharing this with you, but it is only fair that you know my side. Perhaps, once I get there, I will be able to distance myself from you while knowing you will welcome back our friendship and think fondly on your time in Italy. I cannot know. I do know I should be home tomorrow. So, I will see you, my Little Emma Bird.
Dom.
He's coming home! My heart was singing. I can't wait to see him; we'll get to spend time watching movies. Maybe Mike will learn from him? Mike … oh crap! He can't come home. My normal life will be gone. My mind went from joyous song to dead stop, but my heart continued to flutter happily in my chest. That's it … I'm insane.
I didn't know how to react so I tried not to. I ate dinner and went to bed.
The sun was too bright when I woke up. It was never really that sunny here, but the sun seemed to feel that it would make an exception for the day. The world felt at odds with itself. Great, now I can see myself in the temperature and weather of the town. I was too eager as I got dressed; I desperately tried to shove my foot into the wrong shoe. Dammit, Emma! He is just another person and you have Mike- barely, but you have him. I let out the breath I wasn't aware I was holding and adjusted myself for the day.
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