Bella Vita

by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

  “Why so quiet, mia bella?” I could tell he was uncomfortable with the silence between us, especially because we had a driver.

  “Oh, I don't know. Just lost in thought I suppose. It will be nice to see my grandparents.” I wanted to change the subject.

  “Yes, it'll be good to see Grandpa and Grandma.” His eyes twinkled.

  I smiled. “Yes, I'm sure they'll be glad to see us.” It was great to have him finally addressing his future grandparents as such.

  My mind drifted back to before Dom was in my life. Would I be just as happy if it were Mike? I knew Grandpa would accept him- Grandpa's secret was that he was the one that had started the shared schools for vampires and werewolves. Grandma would kill him if she found out. I'd probably be going to one of those schools with Mike. I knew that future would never be, it was important that I remembered that and focused on what I had. I looked over at Dom and found him looking at me.

  “What?” I felt very self-conscious.

  “Nothing, mia bella.” His beautiful green eyes sparkled at me with a hidden thought.

  “You know one day I'll expand my gift into mind reading.” I teased but secretly wondered if I could learn it. It would be kind of cool.

  “I've a feeling you could- which is a tad bit frightening.” His white teeth gleamed as he smiled at me.

  I thought the drive over to my grandparents new house would take forever, especially since we had fallen back into silence, but the time flew by as I watched the beautiful houses glide past the tinted windows and Dom seemed lost in thought.

  We arrived at their new villa about the same time as the moving truck. I found it strange that they hadn't hired someone to get the house ready before their arrival. But to my surprise both my grandparents were helping the moving men empty out the truck- and they looked happy.

  Our car stopped and I bolted out, forgetting to try and act human. Grandpa caught hold of me just as quickly- thankfully the movers were inside.

  “Emma. I've missed you, my little darling.” His bright eyes glittered the way they always did.

  “Grandpa! I've missed you!” I followed this with my silent message just for him. I need to talk to you.

  I know. He smiled at me.

  Dom walked up to us at a leisure pace. “Well met Alfred, I do hope your trip went well.”

  I frowned. Always so serious, Dom.

  It is respect for my elders, mia bella. He countered.

  “Yes, the trip was quite nice. Thank you for inquiring. You won't mind helping Winfred inside, would you? I'm afraid the movers will have a terrible time with her.” He smiled a knowing smile- apparently Grandma liked to chew peoples' heads off all the time and not just at home.

  “I never mind a chance to spend time with any of you. Emma, you'll be fine then?” I wondered if I saw the hurt in his eyes like I heard the insecurity in his voice.

  “Yeah, I'll be fine. I heard Grandma badgering those poor guys and you know I'll just sit and watch and Grandpa is too nice to say anything. Therefore, it elicits you!” I kissed him on the cheek.

  “Alright, mia bella, I'll go into the lion's den for you.” He touched my cheek and headed into the house.

  I waited until I knew our conversation would be covered by Grandma's shrieking- thank god for Grandma. “I had another dream.”

  “I had a feeling something like that had happened. Why don't you tell me about it?” His eyebrow rose slightly.

  “I'll try. But it's worse than the first one. I don't think it'll take as long for it to happen either.” I explained before I gave him all the details of my horrid dream.

  “Oh, Emma, darling. That is just terrible. Have you told anyone? Isabella or Dominic?” I could see his mind ticking away as we pulled more boxes out of the moving truck.

  “No. I called Bettina to arrange a meeting with her. She told me not to talk to anyone but you about it.” I moved the loose hair out of my face and pushed it behind my ear- one of my nervous habits.

  Grandpa took my hand and patted it gently. “Do not worry, Emma. All of this will work itself out. I know this. I'm sure that Bettina will help you get a handle on this. When do you leave?” I was amazed at how he always knew.

  “I leave tonight. But I need Dom to stay here and not know where I'm going.” I pouted as I hadn't figured that out yet.

  “Well that is easy enough. You're going to visit a friend of the family that is a bit of a recluse. It was difficult enough to have her accept your arrival- to have someone outside our direct family would ruin the entire thing. See, problem solved.” Part of me began to believe his words as soon as they were said. Strange reaction.

  “But how...” I never got to finish as Dom suddenly came out of the house.

  “Emma, dear, one of our oldest family friends was terribly upset by the fact that she wasn't able to attend your ball. She has invited you for a stay with her.” I caught on quickly and set the box was I holding down on the pile we had created.

  “Ok. Dom and I'll go and visit her, it'll be good to take a trip before school starts.” I tried my best to fake my smile.

  “Um, unfortunately, she does not receive people, and she asked for you only. She won't take any other visitors.” Grandpa's voice sounded perfect for what he was saying- a little uneasy.

  “But Dominic's like practically family. Surely he can go!” I was pouting now. I felt Dom's hands come to my shoulders.

  “Mia bella, go see this family friend. I'll take care of some Bella Notte business I've been neglecting.” He smiled at me.

  “But, it's not fair! Why do I have to go see some weird family friend without you?” I knew how I would've reacted normally and this part was key to getting Dominic to believe this.

  “Emma. Enough. Stop acting as though you'll never see the poor boy again.” Grandpa actually huffed at me.

  My mouth dropped open. “Yes... Grandpa. I'm sorry.” I was really shocked.

  Dom took my hand. Close your mouth, Em. “Do you mind if I ask when she's to leave?” His voice took on a formal tone as though he had been offended by my grandfather's tone with me.

  “Tonight. Everything is arranged. It is a late flight, a car will be waiting to take you to the airport at nine. Now your grandmother is calling me. Please bring these boxes in the house.” And with that Grandpa walked away.

  He had done an absolutely perfect job and left me in stunned silence.

  I picked up the nearest box and headed inside. Dom followed.

  Dom and I had been quiet since we left Grandpa. The atmosphere there never changed from our conversation. I briefly wondered what exactly my grandparents gifts were, but it wasn't the best time to ask.

  Just as Grandpa had said, at nine o'clock a shiny black town car appeared in front of Castello di DeDominico.

  What should I say? My mind kept circling around this question, like the great white does in Jaws.

  “Don't worry, Emma. I'm sure that you'll have a great time. Perhaps the woman isn't as crazy as she sounds. Hey, I forgot to ask, where are you going?” Dom broke the silence.

  “Ugh. I didn't even ask. I bet Grandpa did it on purpose not to tell me so I wouldn't tell you.” I sighed in my fake frustration.

  “See, it's not so bad. It's like a secret getaway. Or you're being taken as a prisoner. Or you're sneaking into an enemy spy camp. Perhaps you'll travel to a land that time forgot.” Dom's face was lit with excitement, like a kid opening presents at Christmas.

  “Woah! Clearly someone has seen too many movies.” I teased.

  “Clearly, someone else isn't looking at the possibilities here, poca nube di pioggia nera.” He teased back.

  “Did you just call me a 'little black rain cloud'?” I was curious if I was actually keeping the Italian I was hearing.

  “Sì, soon you'll be a perfect Italian native.” He beamed.

  “Just because I can translate, doesn't mean I can speak it or that I fit here.” My mind started to shift to the last place I didn't fit and how things changed. S
top. Don't go down that road. My thoughts froze.

  “But we fit, so when we're together we fit anywhere!” It was the sweetest thing I had ever heard.

  “Aww.” I kissed him and the driver tapped the horn ever so slightly.

  “It's time for you to go, mia bella. Have a nice trip and come back to me.” He kissed me again.

  I touched his cheek and then climbed into the back of the car. Once the door was shut, I let out a sigh. I really hate lying.

  Good morrow, Miss Emma. The driver spoke to me.

  Merry Meet. I responded automatically.

  Shall we head to the private airport, Miss? His piercing blue eyes stared at me from the rear view mirror, the rich black lashes only making the blue stand out more.

  No. We need to go to the international airport. I really wanted to take the plane I had become accustomed to, but Dom could pick the place out of the pilot's mind and he wasn't to know.

  As you wish. He drove over to the car ferry.

  Once we were on the ferry, my mind seemed to drift away. It went to a place I had never been. It was a land filled with so many shades of green. The earth was so full of life. I watched as I silently flew over fields with crumbling ruins mixed in as part of the landscape. I saw livestock grazing on the grass to their content. I had never been here, but I knew this place- Ireland, Mike's homeland.

  The thought of his name sent my green scenery into a flashing blur of smells and brilliant shades of green. When it all came to a stop, I was panting for breath as I floated near a restored castle. I saw people wandering the grounds, but from where I was, I couldn't see much detail.

  The castle, on the other hand, was huge. The stones were rounded and worn smooth, clearly from weather and age. The ancient carvings in the walls were faded, but still showed the Celtic drawings that had been carved into them so long ago. Ivy crept up the North wall and moss covered the foundations. It looked like something out of a storybook about knights and Camelot. And then I heard something that caused my world to shift once again- a laugh.

  I knew that laugh better than any I had come to know. Mike. Hearing his laugh drew me closer to the castle. I was over some sort of inner ward. The height didn't stop me from seeing him. His auburn hair was spiked as it had been back in my stupid small town with my stupid simple life. I watched him move while he spoke to a group of people, one of which I noticed was Acacia- my heart panged with jealousy. It was your choice! Remember that dammit. I reached out for him and suddenly I was standing right behind him. I could smell his scent. I closed my eyes and exhaled his name, “Mike.” He turned to look directly where I was, as though he had heard someone call him, but he didn't see me.

  Ahem. Miss Emma? The driver's voice brought me back to where I was.

  Yes. I wasn't sure where I was or what had happened.

  We've arrived at the airport. As your grandfather instructed I've not thought of where we were going. I did see a car follow us for a while, but I managed to lose it. If you'll be requiring my services upon your return, here is my card. A pale hand gave me a small white business card.

  Thank you. If I need a ride I'll certainly call you. I grabbed my bag and hopped out of the car.

  I had never been in an airport before, let alone an international one. Needless to say, I was scared shitless. There were people everywhere and they all seemed to be going somewhere. Since I wasn't checking luggage, I got my ticket rather quickly. The woman directed me to my gate in Italian and I thanked her. I walked in the direction she had pointed to. I was nearly run over by a man wearing a brightly colored Hawaiian shirt with buttons threatening to burst off at any moment. He didn't even apologize, stupid jerk. I wished I had taken the private jet. I'm not even going to talk about the security checkpoint because it felt surreal and more like a cattle call than anything else. I went to the gate and sat down, I still had an hour before they were to begin boarding, or at least that is what the sign said. The ugly gray hard chairs were filled with lots of different types of people. I saw a group of men wearing dark suits, all typing away on their laptops. Parents with children were standing together by a sign I couldn't read from where I sat. The oddest group I saw was a group of nuns. When I realized they were nuns, I suddenly felt nervous about getting on the plane. I mean, they were all ready to die and had made good with whatever being was up there, and then there was the rest of us. My palms broke out in a sweat. I gulped down the overflow of saliva in my mouth. Please don't let me die. Please. Please. Please.

  I heard a loud bong, which was followed by the scratchy sound of a mic being moved. A woman's voice came on, she spoke in Italian first and this was followed with the translation into several languages, including English. “Good Evening, ladies and gentlemen. We will be boarding in about five minutes. If I could have the disabled passengers come forward, they will be boarding first. This will be followed by passengers traveling with small children. Then first class, and then coach. Please be patient while we get through this as quickly as possible. Thank you for flying with us.”

  People began to shuffle around. I quickly made my way to the first class line. I waited silently as I listened to the people around me sigh in frustration. I felt my heart begin to beat a little faster at the realization that this was my first flight alone. Holy hell. What was I thinking? My thoughts circled back to when all of this crap started . I'm suddenly not sure if this is a good idea. The calmness that my inner self had somehow managed to retain up to this minute vanished. I tucked my sweaty palms into my elbows, leaving dark spots of wetness. The beats of my heart sounded normal, something that should never happen to a vampire with our slower system and all. It was as though I felt the panic creeping into my very veins.

  A woman dressed in a dark blue polyester suit dress stepped in front of me and unlatched the chain that was supposed to hold people back. Like that little chain could hold anyone back that really wanted to get down that floating hallway. I was ushered forward by this small woman with mousy brown hair. I handed her my ticket and she smiled in return and greeted me with something my brain couldn't understand.

  The walk down the shaky tunnel to the side of the plane took longer than I thought it would. My panic took over somewhere near the middle. My pace slowed to that of a snail, but the people around me just seemed to keep going. What if the damn thing crashes? I stopped and took deep breaths.

  The nuns I had seen earlier decided to help me onto the plane. What if being touched by someone close to God will ensure my death? My brain shut down with panic. A blonde man dressed in the male version of what the mousy haired woman was wearing showed me to my seat.

  It was an aisle seat, as all of the first class seats were both a window and an aisle. I, unfortunately, didn't want to be any part of the window bit and turned myself slightly away from it, tucking myself up into the chair. The plain white leather made the slightest argument to having me sit on it, but decided that it wasn't worth the fight. I closed my eyes and went back to my thoughts of Mike and Ireland. I needed to leave this place or they would have big problems when the young vampire freaked out and no one could contain her. No one disturbed me, perhaps they thought I was asleep.

  The vision didn't last as long as I thought it would and I never got near Mike in this one. Instead I was taken to a place right out of a storybook. It was a small waterfall flowing into a river with a little bridge over it. Everything was very green and full of life. I sat on a rock and just enjoyed the time there. This place was magical. I knew from the moment I saw it, it was the place where I needed to go to find some answers.

  Violent shuddering flooded my body and I was snapped back into my present situation. Apparently, we hit some turbulence. My hands gripped the arm rests and my knuckles turned white. I had the faintest idea that the pieces of metal would probably need to be replaced after this plane landed. The plane shuddered once more. The captain's voice came on:

  “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As you can see this turbulence is getting a bit bumpy. We wil
l be turning on the seat belt sign and would like everyone to remain seated. We will begin our descent into London Heathrow Airport. We're hoping that this will get better once we're through this patch of clouds. Thank you.” The captain's godlike voice disappeared to be replaced with the random gasps of the other passengers.

  I looked back and saw that everyone was a little jarred from this bumpy flight- except the nuns. That one factor chilled me to the bone. Holy crap, the only ones close to whatever is out there are calm. My panic was taking over my body slowly. My heart pounded behind my rib cage. My breathing was fast and short- I was definitely going to hyperventilate. And then the strangest thing happened to me- one of the nuns had risked her life to come and touch me on the shoulder.

  She whispered into my ear, “Do not fret, Young One, all will be fine,” and then was ushered back to her seat by the man in the blue suit from earlier.

  Just her words bouncing around in my head seemed to make everything a little better. I don't know how the rest of the flight ended except for the fact that we made to the airport in one piece. I wasn't aware of anything, all I wanted to do was focus on that inner hope and try to make it grow- when we landed I was very close to jumping up and dancing a jig.

  I followed all of the procedures to get into another country- apparently I wasn't considered dangerous for England. I walked out to the front of the airport and realized two things. The first was that I didn't know where Betty lived and the second was that even if I had, I didn't have a ride to get there or the correct money to get a cab- are they called cabs here? I felt my panic begin to rise again as I felt surrounded by strangers. And just when I thought I'd go nuts, I saw the sign.

  “Miss Emma Hutchinson.” A man in a driver's uniform held it. He was tall and looked very vampirelike in my mind, but also like Lurch from The Addams Family- the original, of course.