by Lisa Graves
“What was that about?” I asked.
“Just making sure we’re alone.”
“Why such drastic measures? Besides, where are we anyway?”
“Sottosuolo, the underground.”
“There are underground caves below parts of the city?”
“Correction. There are caves and passages under all of the city, if you know where to go.” I swear you winked at me, but the lighting was too dim to be sure.
“I then reassessed my surroundings. Overhead were very old and ancient archways. The light I had seen was from a torch, stuck in a nook in the wall. I tried to strain my eyes in the limited light to see how far the tunnel went, but it seemed to continue on in the darkness. My hands grazed the rough, cool stone of the wall. I then turned my attention to the beautiful young woman next to me, you.
“Why are there caves under the city? And how do you know about them?”
“They’re not caves really, but an underground city. Ancient Rome actually. It was buried a long time ago, and the new city sprouted in its place.”
“This was Rome?” I said bewildered, taking in the surroundings in a new light. You took my hand.
“Let me show you around. We have a lot of catching up to do, Elliott.”
“I smiled. It felt great to be with you. I couldn’t figure out what it was, but something about you called to me. But with all these foreign feelings, I remember being more timid and quiet than usual, and you were more forward.
“We walked for hours in the maze of archways and passages hidden beneath the city. Under countless stone arches, over the timeworn stones beneath our feet, I followed you. The torch you carried illuminated barely three yards ahead, so everything I saw was new, to me at least.
“For the most part we were both quiet. I was busy taking in the unbelievable surroundings, and you were letting them sink in. Here and there I would break the silence with a question,
“Do you live down here?”
“Yes.”
“I remember thinking why, but that sounded rude. Instead I asked, “How long have you lived down here?”
“A long time Elliott,” you paused before continuing. “Can I show you something?”
“Sure.” You were already showing me a world I never new existed, what more could there be?
“A new sort of excitement seemed to fill you. You handed me the torch and quickened your pace. I was practically running to keep up.
“Where are we going?” I called to you.
“You turned to answer me. “You’ll see.” A smile spread across your face.
“Your bare feet made barely a patter on the asperous stones below. My boots were much noisier. And like I said before, you were fast. It wasn’t long before I couldn’t see you in the torchlight. I was in a solid tunnel with only one way to go, so I continued on as I tried to catch up to you.
“About fifty yards later, I was all alone in the darkness, and came to a fork. The tunnel split and I didn’t know where to go. I went a few feet down the left side first, but couldn’t see anything. I backed up and looked down the right side. Again, all that was down there was darkness.
“Lillianna,” I called out.
“Down here.”
I placed the torch knee height as I tried to find where your voice was coming from. “I can’t see you.”
“Come over here. You’re on the wrong side of the tunnel.”
“I walked back to the fork and down the other side, keeping the torch low to figure out what you meant by ‘down here.’”
“Where are you Lillianna?”
“A hand grabbed at my ankle from a secret passage hidden in the stone wall. “Here.” I looked down to see you smiling up at me. “Come in here Elliott.”
“I had to get on my hands and knees to crawl into the passage. It was surprisingly cobweb and spider free. The shuffling of my pants on the rock was the only thing I could hear as I made my way down the short tunnel. All I knew was that I was following the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. We could have been tunneling to Atlantis for all I knew. I didn’t care.
“I wasn’t in the cramped space for more than a couple meters when I started to hear the sound of water up ahead. And splashing. I crawled as fast as I could, which wasn’t very, since I still had the torch in one hand. A moment later my head popped out of the wall, into a large open space.
“This room wasn’t a room like the rest of the underground. This place wasn’t made by man. It was a natural cave, and large enough to fit an entire church inside. But there wasn’t a church, there was a lake. I looked around in awe. Water lapped at the edge of the room where I stood. My eyes finally focused on the source of the splashing. You.”
Elliott’s hand kept playing in my hair as I looked up at the light shining through the trees. A summer breeze blew past us lying there, and I drank in the scent of his skin. It mixed nicely with the lavender from my park. I lay there taking slow deep breaths, trying to memorize the moment. I usually wasn’t this happy. I thought it best to make a mental note.
Elliott’s hand moved from my hair to my chin as he angled my face up to his. “You’re being quieter than usual. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Am I scaring you?”
“No.”
“Are you sure? I know this is a lot to take in. But I’ve always had a hard time saying ‘No’ to you. Besides, it is one of my favorite memories.”
“You say memories as though you mean it. I believe you, I think, but it is a bit surreal considering I don’t remember any of this.”
“You will.”
“You seem so sure.” The intensity of his hazel green eyes portrayed not a shred of doubt.
“Si.”
I rolled my eyes. “Well I hope you’re right.”
“I am.”
“Non so.” I stuck my tongue out, and rolled my eyes again. It would be nice if all these things he was telling me really happened. And if they were, it would be even better if I could remember them.
Elliott gently moved his hand from my face, down my neck and let his fingers trace imaginary pictures up and down my arm. Electricity pulsed from his fingers, spiking my senses. It felt good.
“Is there really an underground lake in Naples?”
“Yes. It is lovely, beautiful, and warm.”
“Please tell me more.”
“I had just climbed out of the tunnel and had barely gotten a chance to look around when I realized you had jumped in the water, dress and all.”
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Swimming,” you giggled. “Come on in, the water’s nice.”
“I’m sorry, but I forgot my swim clothes.”
“Quit being so serious Elliott. Take off your boots and get in here. You can set the torch in that nook on the wall.” You gestured near the hole we had crawled through.
“I did as you instructed. I jammed the torch in the nook, sat on a large rock and took off my boots. I realized that the cavern was a lot lighter than was possible from a single flame. I looked around again and saw ten or so torches around the lake, lighting the room. I took my time unlacing, as I tried to mentally figure out my situation and how you saw me. You personally amazed me, but I was worried. I wasn’t sure if you liked me back.
“I fussed over these things in my head. When my boots were finally off I waded into the shallows, thinking. My heart wouldn’t stop racing. Probably a mix of excitement and worry.
“I was letting my thoughts get the better of me. I didn’t even see you come over to me and grab my hand. I was so startled I fell down and got soaked.
“Sorry Elliott. Are you okay?” You looked down at me, your wet dress clung to your body. Your hand covered your mouth. I’m certain you were trying not to laugh.
“I sat there. “Yeah, I’m okay. Guess I’m getting wet now. I wasn’t completely sold on the idea before.”
“Good,” you smiled and your laugh broke through your hands. I had to laugh too. Here I was
in a secret cavern, with a beautiful girl, swimming. Things couldn’t be better. You grabbed both of my hands in yours as you led me into the water.
“It was warm and clear blue. We held hands until it was too deep, then we treaded water and talked.
“How do you know about this place?” I asked. “It’s amazing.”
“You’d be surprised what is hidden beneath the city.”
“How is the water warm? There is obviously no sun to warm it.”
“It’s a thermal pool, warmed from the earth. There’s a volcano not far from here. I believe them to be connected.”
“Is this safe?” I started to worry again. I told you Lil. I wasn’t the adventurous type, until I met you.
“Perfectly.” But I am sure you realized I wasn’t buying it. Good thing too, because you brought it upon yourself to distract me.”
I looked up and Elliott winked at me. “What did I do?”
He puckered his lips. “Kissed me of course,” he winked.
I bit my lip and he continued.
“Actually, you first had me swim with you to a ledge furthest from my boots. We pulled ourselves up onto the shore and let our legs dangle in the water. I can still hear the sound of our feet splashing, and the taste of the mineral water in my mouth. Like I said, it’s one of my favorite memories. I looked at you, looking at me, our wet clothes clung to our bodies. That’s when you slowly leaned in and kissed me.
“It was a simple kiss. Short. And very, very sweet. I wanted more. I took your face in my hands and kissed you deeply. The torch light seemed to blur. Despite the obvious attraction I had for you, I made myself let you go. I’ve always had a very intense personality that often made people hesitant of me. I was worried I had let it get the better of me. You surprised me, however, and just looked at me and smiled. Then I remembered something you said.
“What did you mean when you said we had a lot of catching up to do?”
Your blue eyes looked deep into mine. “Can’t you feel it?”
“Feel what?”
“The draw. You must be able to, considering you followed me all the way down into the catacombs that day.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s as though I’ve known you for a really long time. Soul mates maybe. Or a past life perhaps. I don’t know, but there is definitely something about you Elliott.”
“I sat there taking that in. I stopped to think about it and realized I had those same feelings. I just hadn’t let them materialize into a theory.”
“Okay, Lillianna,” I said. “What’s with this stone?” I pulled the small stone from my pocket. It looked magnificent, glimmering wet in the firelight.
“I’ve always felt a connection with opals.” You took my hand in yours. “It has allowed me a sort of connection with you, too.”
“I sat there with my feet in the water, letting your words sink in. You squeezed my hand.
“It is almost morning Elliott. I better let you go.”
“When will I see you again?”
“Soon. You still have the stone.” As you said that I placed it securely back into my pocket. “Let’s go.”
“We then got back into the water and swam to where we had waded in. Soaked, you sat on the ground and watched me put my boots back on. You didn’t have shoes to bother with. I followed you, crawling back down the tunnel to the underground archways. We didn’t talk much. You held my hand as I followed you through the darkness. We didn’t have a torch with us this time.
“I’m not sure how we got there, but we emerged from the underground up a flight of stone steps, and came out in another abandoned room. When we finally found sunlight we were in Piazza del Gesu Nuovo, not three blocks from the Piazza Bellini, were I worked.
“You hugged me goodbye, kissed my cheek, and disappeared into the crowd. I stood there dripping for a moment before I could make myself move. Finally, I walked home with a spring in my step. I had seen you again.
Elliott hugged me close. There was a sadness to the intensity, something was wrong.
“What’s the matter?” I said looking up, into his hazel green eyes.
“I can’t keep coming here, like this.”
“What?” My voice cracked. “No,” I pleaded. “Why not?”
“It’s draining. I’m trying to figure out a solution, trust me. But I haven’t found one yet.” His eyes were so sad they couldn’t even look into mine.
“When do you have to go?”
“Soon.” He hugged me again.
I hugged him back fervently. I didn’t want to ever let him go. It made me sad for the way he was talking, I knew I would have to.
“Is there anything I can do to help? So you can stay.”
“Not that I know of. Not yet at least.” He went to stand up.
“Please don’t go.”
“I don’t want to.” Elliott took my face in his hands and kissed my mouth as tears streamed down my cheeks. I couldn’t help it. “I love you Miele. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“But you don’t know when. . .” I closed my eyes as I wrapped my arms around him.
“No.” He hugged me close and left before I could open my eyes. He was so quick that he very well may have vanished. I stood there alone.
It was probably at least ten minutes before I could will my legs to move. I drudged home detached, isolated from my other half. I looked around as I walked and realized everything looked grey when Elliott wasn’t around. It was as if I was a character in a silent black and white film. No color. No sound. Boring. Elliott brought color to my world. He cleaned the lens.
Lens. That’s it! I ran the rest of the way home to find my camera.
Chapter 9. Snapshots
As I approached my front porch, I noticed Charlotte sitting on the stairs waiting for me. Damn. I should have used the window.
“What do you want Harlet?”
“Where’s Nicholas?” She crossed her arms, probably to show me she meant business. To bad for her, I didn’t care.
“I don’t know. Why would I?” I tried to walk past her, but she purposely stood in my way.
“Because I haven’t been able to find him anywhere.” Charlotte’s voice had taken on a hissing quality. “And. . . conveniently, you haven’t been around either. I know you two were making up in some hidden place,” her eyes moved to mine attacking me like daggers. “Or making out,” she accused. I’m certain her eyes would have been shooting lasers at me if they could.
He wishes we were making out, I thought. “Isn’t he supposed to be your boyfriend?” If sarcasm could drip from words, mine would need a life vest.
Charlotte glared at me.
“Boy, that would be awkward. . . you and me being friends, if I made out with Nicholas all afternoon, huh?” I didn’t answer her question on purpose. If she was going to be absurd and ask stupid questions, she could worry over me not justifying them with answers.
“Did you kiss him?” I pushed past her and had my hand on the door when she said, “Lilly, answer me!”
“You won’t believe any answer I give you anyway. . . Ask him.” I shut the door in her purple face and gritted teeth.
I shook Charlotte off, and out of my mind. I had more important things to worry about. As I walked past the kitchen, I realized how hungry I was and backtracked into it. I hadn’t really eaten all day, and this day seemed to be going on forever. Glancing up at the clock on the microwave I saw that it was only 5:17. Was that the real time?
I opened the fridge to see if my mom had left me anything good. A stack of sandwich meat and cheese was placed next to a loaf of bread, and there was a pan of leftover lasagna. I picked the lasagna. I cut myself a square and zapped it in the microwave. I was so hungry I didn’t even bother to sit down. I ate standing at the counter. One more quick glance at the clock, 5:23. Seriously, the clock must be broken. Shoving the last bite into my mouth, I bounded off to my room in search of the camera.
As my hand went to twist the handle on my door,
I heard Theory meowing impatiently from the inside of my room. One little grey paw was sticking out from under the door trying to get out. Whoops. I had accidently locked her in. I cracked the door and she shot out in the direction of her litter box. I was so distracted with her that I didn’t even see Nicholas sitting on my floor. He was leaning against my bed, looking through my art history book. I didn’t become aware of him until his voice broke the silence.
“Where’ve you been hoe? I’ve been waiting forever.”
“Waiting for what?” My voice was colder that I meant it to be, but I couldn’t help it. Nicholas had already used up what little patience I had today.
He sat the book down and motioned for me to come sit beside him. I sat at my computer desk instead. I thought there should be a few feet separating us, just in case he got any more brilliant kissing ideas. I noticed the cord from the camera sticking out from under the bed. Good thing Nicholas was having a hard time looking me in the eyes, or he probably would have noticed how I involuntarily kept glancing at that cord. Actually, knowing Nicholas, he would have misinterpreted my eye glances as checking him out.
“I’m sorry about earlier Lil. But also, I’m not at the same time.” He kept fidgeting with his hands, careful not to look me in the eyes.
“I don’t think it counts as an apology if you admit that you’re not really sorry.”
A smirk of a smile crossed his face. He quickly glanced up at me then back down to his hands. “Yeah, you’re right. But it’s true.”
“I know.” I shook my head in defeat. What was I going to do with him?
“So. . .am I forgiven?” He still wouldn’t look at me,though I could tell he wanted to. I kept catching sideways glances from him as he waited for my answer.
I rolled my eyes. I hated how I needed him now more than ever. Nicholas was my anchor to reality. My anchor to this world. I gave in. “Yeah, you’re forgiven.”
Nicholas was so happy he jumped up and gave me a hug. He was so strong he lifted me out of the chair. When he finally let me out of his arms, he sat me on the bed. I looked up into his brown eyes and saw that Nicholas was Nicholas again. His happiness was contagious. I smiled also, but not for the same reasons. I was happy to have my friend back. Hopefully he wouldn’t screw it up this time.
