As I approached the school, I was filled with trepidation. How will this day go? I had never felt so uncertain. I didn't know when Dom would get back and that left an uneasiness clinging to my body. I went to class and sat in my seat.
The lecture was boring and didn't help to distract me as I had hoped it would. Mike held up a light banter as we went to Science. He hadn't noticed my mood and I responded to all his comments- I tried to keep my mood light.
At our first break, Acacia decided she wouldn't be led away and Mike would give her the attention she deserved. Kelly shot me an apologetic look and I smiled to let her know it was fine.
Their conversation was radiating heat- perhaps it was their chemistry. I stared blankly out over the cafeteria- a place I still didn't belong in.
I felt his presence before I felt his cool hands on my shoulders.
My heart reacted without my permission. Stupid heart. My face flushed as I tried to continue to stare, I saw Kelly glance my way and look absolutely ecstatic. I couldn't understand her reaction.
I turned slowly to look up at him. I realized both Mike and Acacia were watching as well. Mike's eyes glower at Dom, and Acacia's face was aglow with happiness. Clearly something was visible between us- I couldn't see what it was. I threw my legs over the bench and looked up at Dominic.
He was staring down at me with all the angelic beauty of a divine creature. His hair was tousled and caught the bright light with a golden accuracy- it was as though his hair was made of rays of sunshine. His eyes seemed to be a light spring green and full of the promise of flowers yet to bloom.
His cheeks dimpled slightly as he smiled at me. I felt a strange sensation of recognition flood my blood as I smiled up at the apparent angel.
“Hey there, Little Emma Bird.” His teeth glistened in the sun.
I stood and hugged him in as friendly a manner as I could manage.
“Hey you. How was your trip?”
He took a deep breath- like he was breathing in my scent.
“The trip was nice. A bit hard to leave my family. It's difficult not to be there for the planning of the Bella Notte clubs- Abner is watching the projects carefully. But it is good to be here.” His smile beamed.
The bell rang.
“Ah, saved by the bell. Mia bella.” Dominic was a bit darker today- even as he kissed my cheek. My hand automatically reached up and touched the slightly warm spot. My mouth hung ajar as he walked away. Whoa!
Mike walked up to my side as he glared at Dominic walking into the senior building. When does he normally go in there? That's when I saw the schedule change form in his hand as he disappeared behind the doors. I mean the bright, neon green form would be hard to miss.
Mike said nothing as he finally walked toward class with Acacia toting behind him. When he got to the door he looked back once and I saw the dark confusion flashing on his face. I headed to Gym with much to think about.
By the time I got to math, my body was sore from the intentional exertion I endured during my Gym class. It took me a total of two seconds to notice a few things. The first, Acacia looked happy in our back corner where there was suddenly an extra desk; the second, Mike looked flaming mad, like a raging bull; and third, Dominic was signing into the class. And there I stood in the doorway staring at them all. What is going on?
My mind was forced into reality as the bell rang- I headed for my seat. Mike sat next to me emanating anger. Acacia sat in front of him with gleeful little bounces. And now there was an empty desk next to me. Dom, of course, sat right down. My head started pounding so hard I had to lay it against the cool faux wood of my desk. Breathe, just breathe, there is a logical explanation. Oh, but how will I survive with them both here? Maybe that's the point?
I took deep breaths and tried to remain calm. Roll was taken and Mrs. Rogers took note that I looked ill. I spent all class with my head down and tried very hard to concentrate on the lecture.
I was the last to get up as the bell rang and Mrs. Rogers told me I should make sure to get some rest. It was a nice thought.
The bright sun assaulted me as I left the building- luckily no one waited for me, as I'd requested. I saw they had all sat together and Acacia was talking with them both. A dark, leeching creature, deep inside me found this to be punishable by death. I forced it back to rest as my head throbbed on. I thought of ditching them and making a break for it, but then Dom caught sight of me and hurried to my side.
“Em, are you okay?” He was concerned as he gently took my hand and led me toward the table.
“I'm fine. My head is pounding. I'm sure it will pass.” I put my head down on the table. “Please, continue with your conversation.”
It took a minute, but they eventually started back up. I tuned them out. The bell rang and I nervously watched them depart as I headed for History. I knew Dominic could pop up- he seemed to be headed for Gym. I sighed.
Ms. Henderson put on a film and turned off the lights. I was very grateful as I fell into a brief sleep … The lights came on, class was over, and my head hurt less. I headed toward Art feeling much better, and, of course Dominic was there. He appeared to be taking a test to see what he knew and where he'd place in Miss Ashley's class. He passed the test with flying colors and even illustrated all his answers. She placed him in the back with me and told us to alternate days working as the T.A. Today, she didn't have need for us as she pulled a television set out and popped in a tape.
Dom and I sat in silence at first. Then he gently pushed his desk against mine. I could feel him and it made me tremble. Our bodies reacted to each other and sent out electrical currents. The air was charged between us- like there should be lightning striking.
“Emma.” His lips were at my ear.
It became difficult to breathe. I merely nodded in response. “Are you angry with me?” His breath blew against my neck.
I shook my head.
“Why won't you look at me?” I didn't understand why I was so affected.
I turned my head slowly and looked straight into his burning green eyes. They were so intense- I wanted to look away, but I was trapped like a deer in headlights. “Emma.” His eyes smoldered.
“Dom.” It came out in a sighed breath.
“We need to talk.” His words were thick as honey. I nodded and went to ask Miss Ashley if we could study outside on the benches. She said yes.
Dominic had my bag as well as his as he opened the doors for me. The cool air hit me square in the face and helped to clear my cloudy mind. At least the sun didn't take my cool air away. “So, what's up?” I asked as I turned to watch him set our stuff down on a table.
“I wanted to talk to you.” He was close again and I felt my mind hazing once more.
I took a step back and inhaled. “What about?” I croaked.
“Us.” His eyes blazed and I felt a tugging deep in my stomach.
“What about us?” I was trying to act calm- I could feel it all melting away. How does he do that?
“I want to know how you feel … you know where I stand.” He stared at me so intensely I was sure he was looking at my very soul.
“I'm confused,” I confessed. “I can't answer that question with any coherent words. You and Mike plague my sleep with that same issue. Please.” I looked at him with pleading eyes.
“I understand.” His face set into determination.
Did I hurt him? I really didn't want to hurt him. I saw his eyes change before he acted- they turned a dark emerald green. Before I could comment he had his arms wrapped around me and then his lips were pushed against mine. The blood pulsed to my lips- swelling them- I could feel every sensation heighten. Just as I thought my brain would ooze out of my ears from the pleasures it was receiving- he pulled back. His eyes burned bright.
“Now how do you feel?” His voice was husky.
“Eh. I feel warm and like a puddle. And I have a strong desire to take you somewhere alone.” I couldn't believe myself.
“Perhaps that wouldn't be a wise
choice. I wanted to see your feelings up against real-life actions. I'm quite pleased, mia bella,” he purred at me.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Must think clearly. Dominic is definitely darker right now.
“Dom, what's with the darkness?” I asked, knowing it didn't sound like a question that made sense.
“The traveling does it to me. Much like my trip for your birthday. My control is less. I am sorry. I will leave you to your thoughts.” And with that he left.
“What?” The word was a knee jerk reaction.
I left before school ended. I didn't want to see Mike and have guilt. How could I be so stupid? Didn't I see his eyes, the intent was clear. The guilt flooded my body as I got home and stayed firmly in place all night.
The last day of classes felt oddly disjointed with time. Mike confirmed our date for after Christmas- he explained that he'd have family to attend to until then. I understood. Acacia said nothing to me and acted as though I didn't exist. I didn't mind not hearing her sugary voice directed at me. Dominic said very little. He said he'd be at my house on Christmas for dinner, but didn't really seem to be here. And that was the day. As I didn't see Kelly, I couldn't wish her a pleasant break.
My weekend passed numbly as I yearned for the company of one of the guys in my life. I got neither and felt utterly alone. My pain was growing unbearable on Christmas Eve, but I was relieved when Dom showed up; with him came the first snow fall.
We stood on the steps of my porch staring up at the sky. The flakes landed softly on my uncovered skin, but did not melt. Odd. I noticed the same thing happening to him. He watched me with curious eyes that made me feel like I was doing something strange.
We spent the rest of the evening in the living room, by the fire, playing board games- I managed to win every time, very interesting. That was where we fell asleep.
Christmas day was nothing special at my house. The exterior was decorated with all the trimmings- the inside bare. Dominic and I spent most of the day outside playing in the snow that had fallen overnight. We laughed and smiled more than I had done since my return from Italy. He was back to his old self as well. Things felt the same as they did there- I was happy. Dom became the center of my universe for that day and I basked in it.
Our dinner was with my family and it was enjoyable. Life felt perfect- until I went to bed and had a text message from Mike reminding me about tomorrow and how he'd pick me up at noon. I felt my bubble burst. How can I be so happy with Dominic but still want to be with Mike? My rest was fitful.
I was grumpy when I got up at eleven o'clock. I found a note from Dominic saying he'd be back tomorrow because he had some work to do today. I suddenly felt like I was betraying him by keeping my date with Mike- which was nonsense. If only I'd figure all this out. I mean someone would end up hurt but at least the other wouldn't have to wonder. My head hurt already.
Mike was on time so I didn't have lots of time to brood. He was very cheery, which wasn't like him, but I let it go. He drove a green sedan four door. Again, not like him.
“So, what do you want to see?” I asked him to try and stir up conversation.
“I thought I'd let you choose,” he answered as he turned into town off the highway.
“Well, I didn't check to see what's playing- I thought you'd want to pick because I always choose the monster flicks.” I felt slightly awkward.
“Okay, we'll find out what's playing when we get there.”
Just then we pulled into the five car parking lot of the small two screen theater. I loved everything about the antique brick building. The choice of films it showed were always the same: one classic and one that was made within the last ten years.
The outside was covered in framed posters from numerous time periods. The bright white announcement board was surrounded by light bulbs. The ticket seller was inside a small glass tube with a red counter. It was utterly old fashioned.
Today they were showing Blade and Casablanca. I loved Casablanca- the beautiful story of love and sacrifice, mixed with the cinematic mastery- beautiful. As for Blade- it wasn't my cup of tea. I didn't understand why someone had to kill his own kind- just confusing.
It was clear which one I wanted to see- especially since I loved all the monsters from the monster movies we watched together. Blade was all wrong.
“Okay. I know exactly what we should watch … the complete opposite of the monster movies we always watch.” He looked pleased.
“That sounds great!” I knew he was going to pick the right flick.
He walked up to the counter and asked for two tickets for Blade.
No! How can he not know me? I felt let down and confused. He's supposed to know me…
“Come on, Em.” He smiled a crooked smile and held out his hand.
I took it and forced a smile. A small voice in my head was talking to me. Dom would've known which film … and he'd know that smile is fake.
But I wasn't with Dom, I was with Mike, and so I sat through hours of a guy fighting against his own. Gee, what fun! Even my inner voice was dripping with sarcasm.
By the end of the movie I wanted to stake myself. Mike didn't notice anything.
“So, I loved that movie! Showed those stupid vampires who was boss, huh?” He beamed with excitement.
“Yeah, I guess he did.” I felt bored.
“You wanna get some pizza?” He was looking at our little pizza place across the street. Sure didn't compare anything to Italian pizza.
“Sure,” I answered as I looked longingly at the poster for Casablanca.
We crossed the street and didn't say much through the pizza. I watched Mike behind eyes that didn't know him. I felt like I was shattering. Who's this guy and where did my Mike go? I knew that the confusion that generally haunted me was suddenly amplified.
“So, how is Acacia?” I wanted to know how he'd react- if he was hiding something. It was something I had read about in some chick magazine.
“Huh.” He looked like he was caught doing something.
“She's fine. She spent yesterday with us.”
Clearly he had been thinking about her.
“How's Dominic?” he replied.
“He's fine. Working on his nightclub business stuff today,” I said without changing my tone.
“He has a nightclub?” The shock was clear.
“A chain actually. He's currently having seven more opened in major European cities.” I felt proud of Dominic and what he was trying to accomplish.
“Wow! That's intense. He's like only eighteen, right?”
I could feel the resentment coming off of him. I couldn't understand it because Mike was so talented.
“Yeah. His birthday is New Year's day,” I said as I thought back to when we were kids.
“Neat way to bring in the year, I guess.” And with that we fell into an uneasy silence.
We spent a couple of hours at the pizzeria. Mike asked if we could hang out again on Saturday. I mentioned how there was supposed to be a comet passing that we could see from here. He said we should all hang out that day- by all he meant Acacia and Dominic as well. I agreed and he dropped me off at home around four thirty.
I found Grandpa and Grandma setting up a game of chess. I wandered in and sat down to watch. They looked at each other like they were discussing something.
“How was your date with that Michael boy?” my grandma asked in a causal tone. Odd, generally it's Grandpa that tries to keep up with my life.
“It was okay, Grandmama.” The words felt hollow.
“Oh. It doesn't sound like it was 'okay.'” Her words were kind.
“Well, we went to the movies and I let him pick. I thought he really knew the things I liked. You know, like there was a connection or something.” I sighed. But we are connected through the dreams, sort of.
“So, what did he pick?” Grandpa asked as he moved a pawn.
“He chose Blade! Can you believe it? I mean I hate those kinds of movies. Not to mention that Casablanca w
as playing as well.” I huffed.
Another secret glance.
“Perhaps he thought you'd like it for the vampires. You two watch a lot of monster movies.” I never noticed that Grandma had taken notice of things- she'd let Grandpa take over things with me a long time ago.
“But I'm always sympathetic with the monster. Why would he take me to see a film where the whole point is to kill the monster?” I wanted to cry.
“Not all things make sense in love, Child.” Her voice became infinitely wise as she captured another one of Grandpa's pieces.
“Maybe it isn't love,” I blurted out- instantly kicking myself. I do love Mike, don't I?
“What else could it be, Emma dear?” Grandpa asked with a raised eyebrow.
“I don't know,” I sobbed. My nerves were frying.
“No need to force an answer.’All things are answered in their own time.'” Where did all her wisdom come from?
They let the silence envelope us as they continued to play their game and I watched. Well, I didn't really watch- merely stared as I searched for some kind of answers. And that was how my day passed.
The next days passed quickly with my mind in constant motion. Dom called to let me know he had to continue his work longer than he had expected but he'd be there for sure for the comet. I was left alone again. Grandpa and Grandma played more chess and I watched. They tried hard not to ask me any questions. Mom and Dad left for another business trip- this time to California. I vaguely wanted to go. I knew I needed the time to think, so that's what I did for two days. I thought. In the end, I still knew nothing.
Saturday came and brought a cloudless sky. Perfect for seeing a comet tonight.
Dominic showed up at two in the afternoon and we had lunch together and he told me about how the plans for the Bella Notte clubs were going. It was exciting to hear about all the progress that was happening. He asked my opinion about color schemes and decor. I answered the best I could as I had never been to most of the places where he was building them. He said we'd have to change that. It was a nice afternoon and I enjoyed Dom's company. We could sit and be silent or have a highly animated conversation.
Bella Notte Page 17
